{"id":341824,"date":"2026-01-02T20:15:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T10:15:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=68387"},"modified":"2026-01-02T20:15:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T10:15:29","slug":"syria-to-prioritise-restoring-rail-link-to-turkiye","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=341824","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Syria to prioritise restoring rail link to T\u00fcrkiye\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Syria has reportedly started the reconstruction of its rail network in cooperation with T\u00fcrkiye and Iraq. A number of high-importance projects are on the to-do list, of which a connection to T\u00fcrkiye is said to be the top priority.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Among the top domestic goals is the rehabilitation of a railway between Aleppo and capital city Damascus, according to Abdul Hadi Al-Shahada, director of media at the Syrian transport ministry. Syria aims to boost the speed of rail freight to 120 kilometres per hour on the route between the country\u2019s two most populous cities.<\/p>\n

Another key project is a connection between phosphate mines and the port of Tartus to facilitate higher export volumes. Damascus also wants to restore the Deir Ez-Zor\u2013Al-Bukamal line near the Iraqi border.<\/p>\n

A link to the world<\/h2>\n

However, most of all, Syria intends to restore the railway connection to T\u00fcrkiye. That would provide the country with a solid transport connection to its largest neighbour, which itself is connected overland to China via the Middle Corridor and has solid links to Europe.<\/p>\n

At the same time, restoring the rail network is easier said than done. Major obstacles persist. The transport ministry spokesperson noted shortages of necessary materials and specialised equipment, a lack of trained staff, funding limitations, and the absence of local companies with sufficient expertise to participate in the projects.<\/p>\n

In October, transport minister Yarub Badr said that Syria needs around 5.5 billion dollars to repair and upgrade its railways to international standards. Only 1,052 kilometres of the 2,800 kilometre network are operational as of now.<\/p>\n