Jordan revives Hijaz line with new light rail to Queen Alia Airport

• Project converts Hijaz railway into 60 km Light Rail Transit (LRT).
• Connects Zarqa with Amman and Queen Alia International Airport, enhancing urban mobility.

In a strategic step to reshape public transport in Jordan, the Ministry of Investment unveiled a long-awaited project to rehabilitate the Hijaz railway, transforming it into a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.

The 60-kilometer line will link northern Zarqa, one of the country’s most densely populated areas, through East Amman, and extend directly to Queen Alia International Airport in the south. Officials say the project integrates existing infrastructure with modern transport needs, offering a sustainable solution while reducing costs linked to new land acquisitions.

Technical details and benefits

The project involves full refurbishment of existing railway tracks, construction upgrades, and modern operational systems, including:

• Infrastructure modernization: Expanding and renovating existing buildings, removing old structures that no longer meet operational needs.
• Cargo and passenger facilities: Redesigned loading areas ensure smoother goods transit and reduce waiting times.
  Security and automation: Advanced electronic systems for inspection accuracy and faster processing.
• The LRT will operate at a design speed of 60 km/h, optimized for urban connectivity rather than high-speed travel, with frequent stops serving densely populated neighborhoods. This “surface metro” approach complements the city’s rapid bus transit (BRT) system, covering corridors not served by the bus network.

Economic and developmental impact

The project is expected to relieve traffic on main roads connecting Zarqa with Amman and the airport, reduce carbon emissions, and boost property values along the route. It will also facilitate tourism by providing direct, reliable access to Queen Alia International Airport, enhancing the airport’s competitiveness.

Officials describe the project as a development milestone, turning a key transport artery into a vital, modern economic corridor. By leveraging the existing railway right-of-way, the project avoids legal and social obstacles that often delay new infrastructure in densely populated areas.

Future outlook

The LRT rehabilitation is part of a broader plan to integrate Jordan’s transport networks and promote sustainable urban mobility. With strategic partners expected to join in implementation, the project represents one of the most ambitious transport and development initiatives in Jordan in recent years.