Hejaz Railway Project: Turkey and Saudi Arabia sign deal to revive 1900 KM historic rail network
Turkey and Saudi Arabia have signed several Memorandums of Understanding on June 9, 2026, to bring back the historic Hejaz Railway. This project aims to create a new trade route that avoids the Hormuz blockade. The plan involves restoring old tracks and extending the network to reach Oman and the Indian Ocean.
What are the key details of the Hejaz Railway project?
The project focuses on reviving a century-old network that once connected Damascus to Medina via Syria and Jordan. The modern version will pass through Aleppo, Damascus, and Amman. Turkey has already started repairing rail lines near the Syrian border that were inactive for 15 years. Trial shipments from Turkey to Saudi Arabia via Iraq have already proven that this route is possible.
What is the timeline and goal of this railway network?
The two countries are conducting joint studies that will be completed by the end of 2026. Actual construction is scheduled to start in 2027. The main goal is to build a stable land transport system for goods and energy, reducing dependence on risky sea routes. This network will act as a transit hub and logistics base connecting the Gulf, Turkey, and Europe.
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Agreement Date | June 9, 2026 |
| Construction Start | 2027 |
| Major Cities | Aleppo, Damascus, Amman, Medina |
| Final Destination | Oman and Indian Ocean |
| Key Officials | Abdulkrim Uraloğlu (Turkey) and Saleh Al Jasser (Saudi Arabia) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hejaz Railway परियोजना का मुख्य उद्देश्य क्या है?
इसका उद्देश्य होर्मुज जलडमरूमध्य के विकल्प के रूप में एक व्यापार गलियारा बनाना है जो तुर्की, सऊदी अरब और ओमान को जोड़े।
इस रेलवे प्रोजेक्ट का काम कब शुरू होगा?
संयुक्त अध्ययन 2026 के अंत तक पूरे होंगे और निर्माण कार्य 2027 से शुरू होने की उम्मीद है।