Amman: Minister of Transport Dr. Nidal Qatamin has expressed the government's strong commitment to expanding railway projects in Jordan, highlighting the sector as a crucial driver for economic growth and enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness. The minister made these remarks during a session organized by the Center for Studies and Research at the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA), focused on the role of railways in restructuring the national economy and establishing Jordan as a regional logistics hub.
According to Jordan News Agency, Dr. Qatamin emphasized that the transportation sector receives direct attention and support from His Majesty King Abdullah II. He noted that the sector is also closely monitored by the Prime Minister as part of the government's priorities under the Economic Modernization Vision, which places significant importance on the transport and logistics sector as central to national development. Dr. Qatamin stated that railway projects have become a vital part of enhancing the national transportation system.
Dr. Qatamin outlined the expected benefits of the railway expansion, which include improving supply chain efficiency, reducing transportation costs, and connecting production centers with export outlets. These developments are anticipated to positively influence the national economy. He also highlighted Jordan's strategic location as a natural corridor for regional connectivity by land and air.
The minister announced that approximately 700 aircraft traverse Jordanian airspace daily, thanks to advancements in air navigation systems, which contribute significantly to the Kingdom's financial revenues and reinforce its status as a regional hub for transportation and logistics. Regarding railway initiatives, Dr. Qatamin revealed the launch of a 360-kilometer railway project under a Jordanian-Emirati partnership. This project, with an investment of $2.3 billion, aims to efficiently transport phosphate and potash to the industrial port in Aqaba.
Dr. Qatamin noted that this railway project represents the initial phase of the national railway network, which seeks to connect the Kingdom's regions. He also highlighted the potential for regional integration, as the policy could facilitate rail links between Jordan and neighboring Arab countries, thereby boosting trade, investment, and economic cooperation in the region.