A project Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu calls the 'Modern Hijaz Railway' blends a historic vision with 21st-century technology. The plan does not just connect Türkiye, Syria and Jordan; in later phases it extends to Oman.
The designed flow means cargo from deep in the Gulf could move on rails, without ever being loaded onto a ship, to Istanbul and onward to London. A container leaving Jordan crossing Syria to enter Türkiye is also a sign that regional political stability will increasingly form around economic interests.
The project's ultimate goal is to integrate the Red Sea with the Mediterranean and Europe. In this equation, Türkiye is not just a 'transit country' but also takes on the role of a vast storage and distribution terminal. For industrialists, that means lower costs and higher speed in accessing Gulf markets.
Economic teams in Ankara expect a lasting jump in Türkiye's export figures once the line is online. The joint process, expected to complete by year-end, signals that a new economic order in the region will be founded as of 2026. Türkiye is moving toward a 'rule-maker' position at the intersection of the Middle Corridor and the Modern Hijaz line.
Key Takeaways:
1. Minister Uraloglu said the 'Modern Hijaz Railway' is expected to be completed by year-end.
2. The line will connect Türkiye, Syria and Jordan and later extend to Oman.
3. Gulf cargo could move on rails to Istanbul and London without being loaded onto ships.
4. Türkiye will not just be transit but will also take on a storage and distribution terminal role.
5. The goal is to integrate the Red Sea with the Mediterranean and Europe; a lasting jump in Türkiye's exports is expected.
