Jordan launches Salik: Modern toll roads to cut congestion

• Official sources reveal to Roya News the costs of using Jordan’s new toll roads

In a strategic move aimed at modernizing infrastructure and enhancing the efficiency of the transport network, Jordan is preparing to implement a new toll road system, according to field sources, contractors, and officials familiar with the project who spoke to Roya News. The system, known as “Salik Jordan”, is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2025.

This initiative, first hinted at with the installation of electronic gates on the Muqer–Omari Road, is part of a comprehensive vision to provide better services for road users. The plan offers alternative routes that save time and money while creating sustainable investment opportunities for the maintenance and development of the Kingdom’s vital transport arteries.

Officials told Roya News that the project follows successful models already implemented in the Gulf, Morocco, Egypt, and European countries. The initiative aims to save citizens’ time and effort while ensuring free alternative routes remain available to everyone.

Jordan Follows Successful Regional Models

The project positions Jordan among regional leaders adopting modern toll road systems that have proven effective in supporting development and improving quality of life. Notable examples include:

• United Arab Emirates (Salik and Darb systems):
  The UAE is a global pioneer in this field. Dubai’s Salik system, launched in 2007, has reduced traffic congestion through smart electronic gates that do not require stopping. Abu Dhabi’s Darb system regulates traffic in busy areas. Revenue from these systems is reinvested in maintaining and developing smart transport networks, boosting the UAE’s status as a global logistics hub.
• Morocco (comprehensive development network):
  Toll roads in Morocco are a core part of infrastructure development. The National Company for Toll Roads manages an extensive network exceeding 1,800 kilometers, connecting major cities and supporting economic growth and logistics services.
• Egypt (infrastructure modernization strategy):
  Egypt applies toll systems on key arteries, such as the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road, to improve road quality and reduce congestion in heavily trafficked areas.

How Much Will the New Roads Cost?

Proposed studies indicate a toll of 11 fils per kilometer for small vehicles and 22 fils per kilometer for trucks and buses.

This initiative aligns Jordan with modern approaches used in developed countries to enhance infrastructure, improve traffic management, and balance economic efficiency with environmental sustainability. It paves the way for a more advanced and prosperous future for the Kingdom’s transport sector.