Feasibility studies are based on implementing the project in phases, starting with the construction of a main freight transport corridor, before expanding the network towards the north and east of the Kingdom, reaching border crossings and regional markets.
The first phase includes the construction of a 42-kilometer railway line connecting the Al-Shidiya area to the city of Ma'an, while the second phase (2A) includes extending the line from Ma'an towards Al-Madouna and Jaber, to form the backbone of a regional corridor for freight transport through Jordan.
As for the third phase (2B), it includes expanding the network towards Zarqa, Irbid, and the borders with Saudi Arabia and Iraq, which will enhance connectivity with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iraq, the Levant, and wider regional markets.
According to the investment details, the study assumes the project will be implemented through a joint venture that will handle investment and operation under a 30-year concession, with the project being financed by 50% loans and 50% equity, at a loan interest rate of 5%.
Published data indicate that the limited development of the freight railway sector provides investment opportunities to expand the use of rail transport instead of road transport by trucks.
The data stated that the volumes of exports transported by rail are less than 50 million tons, while import volumes are less than 35 million tons, without specifying the geographical scope or the time period for these indicators.
In the context of opportunities related to regional connectivity, the investment presentation noted that the International Union of Railways (UIC) has identified 8 priority regional corridors, including routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, Turkey, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The project is being proposed within the framework of investment opportunities in the transport sector, through which the Jordan-Europe Investment Conference aims to strengthen investment partnerships and develop transport infrastructure and regional connectivity.
