Jordan Unveils High-Speed Rail Linking Amman to Aqaba

Jordan is preparing a major high‑speed rail project that will connect its capital, Amman, with the coastal city of Aqaba, in a move aimed at transforming national transport and supporting economic growth. Sources mentioned the Ministry of Investment has classified the rail line as a strategic project within its new investment opportunities.

The rail line is designed as a fully integrated, sustainable network across multiple governorates. It will drastically reduce travel time between Amman and Aqaba, roughly 330 km, to under three hours, compared with four to five hours by car. The route will also support Jordan’s booming tourism sector by serving key destinations like Petra and Wadi Rum, making travel faster for both local and international visitors.

The project is part of Jordan’s broader “Economic Modernization Vision.” Initial investment is estimated at 2.3 billion Jordanian dinars, and planners say the rail line will create thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of long‑term technical and administrative positions. Studies funded by the European Investment Bank have highlighted its economic potential, especially amid rising land transport costs.

Officials also confirmed that a major agreement with the UAE’s Etihad Rail Company will help form the core of a future national passenger rail network. If completed as planned, the high‑speed rail could position Jordan as a regional hub for investment, tourism, and sustainable infrastructure.

Source: Roya News