Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu has confirmed that the proposed railway linking Turkey and Saudi Arabia is undergoing technical evaluation, with financing options and implementation models being assessed. The project is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia's position as a regional distribution and logistics hub, connecting major global trade routes.
Project Scope and Integration
Uraloglu stated that signaling, communications systems, border crossings, and logistics operations will be unified within a single integrated framework. The first phase focuses on defining the scope of work, costs, financing options, and the implementation model. He denied any insurmountable technical barriers, stressing that implementation will begin once studies are completed, alongside railway construction works spanning 4,000 km in Turkey as a link to Europe.
The main technical challenge lies in integrating existing infrastructure and completing missing sections. Saudi Arabia has railway infrastructure extending to the Jordanian border, while parts in Syria and Jordan require renewal, rehabilitation, and completion. Approximately 400 km of track needs attention, including a 100–110 km section from the Turkish border to Aleppo heavily damaged by war.
Strategic Importance
The minister emphasized that the project aims to build a more flexible network rather than merely the shortest route, steering away from the risks of relying on a single trade corridor amid regional tensions. He said: “One of the most important needs of global trade is the establishment of reliable, sustainable, and alternative transport corridors. We clearly saw the importance of this during the pandemic, regional tensions and conflicts, and disruptions in global supply chains. Transport corridors are no longer just an economic issue; they have also become a strategic one.”
Once completed, the line will enable a continuous railway corridor between the Gulf region and Turkey via Jordan and Syria, with Turkey’s integration into the European rail network extending the impact beyond the Middle East. The project is considered alongside other strategic initiatives such as the Middle Corridor and the Development Road.
Trade, Tourism, and Economic Impact
The railway is expected to facilitate trade, strengthen supply chains, and support regional integration. It will provide a new alternative for freight transport, supporting trade flows from the Gulf to Europe. The corridor could also significantly enhance tourism, particularly Hajj and Umrah travel, offering new transport options for millions of pilgrims. Uraloglu noted: “This project is not merely a railway investment, but a strategic initiative that will contribute to regional development, economic prosperity, and stability.”
Turkey’s Role and Infrastructure
Turkey has invested heavily in railways over the past 24 years, managing a network of around 14,000 km, including 2,251 km of high-speed rail lines. Key projects include Marmaray connecting Asia and Europe, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway for the Middle Corridor, and ongoing high-speed rail lines such as Ankara-Izmir and Halkali-Kapikule. Uraloglu said: “Turkey is not merely a transit country in this project, but one of the key connectivity nodes linking the Gulf region to Europe.”
Implementation and Future Expansion
No final structure for participating companies has been defined. Technical studies will determine the implementation model, financing needs, and the role of Turkish, Saudi, or international firms. The project could later extend to other Gulf countries such as Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, though the priority remains clarifying the current corridor’s framework. Uraloglu stated: “Our goal is not only to build a new line, but to contribute to a strong and continuous rail network extending from the Gulf region to Europe.”
