Jordan has begun work on a railway link connecting the country’s main port facilities at Aqaba, marking a step toward strengthening rail-based freight connectivity and improving the movement of goods through the Red Sea gateway.
The project is expected to support the transportation of containers, bulk commodities and other cargo between Aqaba and inland logistics and industrial centres. By shifting a greater share of freight to rail, Jordan aims to improve supply-chain efficiency and reduce pressure on road transportation.
Aqaba is Jordan’s primary maritime gateway, handling a significant share of the country’s international trade. Improved rail connectivity could strengthen the port’s role as a regional logistics hub and provide more efficient links between maritime and inland transport networks.
The railway is also expected to support industrial activity and improve access to markets beyond Aqaba. Better freight connectivity could help reduce transportation costs and improve the reliability of cargo movement for businesses.
The project forms part of Jordan’s broader efforts to develop multimodal transport infrastructure and strengthen trade links. Rail connectivity from Aqaba could also support regional transit opportunities by connecting the port with inland markets and logistics corridors.
Once developed, the rail link is expected to provide an additional freight option for cargo moving through Aqaba and contribute to the long-term expansion of Jordan’s logistics infrastructure.