Turkish Minister: Rail Link with KSA Under Review, Financing Options

Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the proposed railway linking Turkiye and Saudi Arabia (KSA) is currently undergoing technical evaluation and is expected to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a regional distribution and logistics hub connecting major global trade routes.

The minister noted that signaling, communications systems, border crossings, and logistics operations will be unified within a single integrated framework, with the first phase focusing on defining the scope of work and costs, as well as assessing financing options and the implementation model.

Regarding engineering obstacles, he denied that there are any insurmountable technical barriers to the rail connectivity project, stressing that implementation will begin once studies are completed, alongside railway construction works spanning 4,000 km in Turkiye as a link to Europe.

However, he said the main technical challenge lies in integrating existing infrastructure and completing missing sections, noting that Saudi Arabia has railway infrastructure extending to the Jordanian border, while parts of the project. particularly in Syria and Jordan, require renewal, rehabilitation, and completion.

The Turkish minister explained 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, particularly amid regional tensions.

How do you assess the railway line project connecting Turkiye to Saudi Arabia via Jordan and Syria?

Today, 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.

Therefore, transport corridors are no longer just an economic issue; they have also become a strategic one. It would be an incomplete reading of this project to see it as merely a new railway line. What is truly at stake is the implementation of a new connectivity vision designed to link the GCC region with Europe via Turkiye.

Historically, our region has been a center of trade routes, cultural interaction, and economic mobility. However, in recent years, many of these links have weakened due to conflicts, political instability, and infrastructure gaps.

Today, we see a strong will among regional countries to increase cooperation, expand trade, and rebuild transport networks. The railway project being developed between Turkiye and Saudi Arabia is also a result of this understanding.

Once completed, this line will not only connect the two countries; it will enable a continuous railway corridor between the GCC region and Turkiye via Jordan and Syria.

Given Turkiye’s integration into the existing European rail network, the impact of this corridor would extend beyond the Middle East.

We believe this project could become one of the most important transport and logistics initiatives in the Middle East in the coming decades, as it would facilitate trade, strengthen supply chains, support regional integration, and elevate economic relations between our countries to a more advanced level.

At the same time, this corridor should be considered alongside other strategic projects such as the Middle Corridor and the Development Road. Through these complementary transport networks, a much stronger connectivity framework can be built between Turkiye, the GCC region, and the Middle East, as well as Europe.

In this regard, the project is not merely a railway investment, but a strategic initiative that will contribute to regional development, economic prosperity, and stability.

Historically and in light of current conditions, how did the project return to the agenda?

Global developments in recent years have made this need more evident. The pandemic, disruptions in supply chains, and new dynamics in international trade have once again demonstrated the importance of transport corridors. Countries now need not only existing routes, but also alternative and complementary transport networks.

In addition, trade volumes between Asia, Europe, and the GCC are increasing every year. Strengthening links between energy, industry, and logistics, as well as production and service hubs, has become a strategic necessity rather than a mere economic preference. Therefore, projects that enhance regional connectivity are returning to the forefront.

Projects such as the Middle Corridor and the Development Road are also part of this understanding. We are assessing the railway line we are working on with Saudi Arabia from the same perspective. In a sense, we aim to revive transport networks that historically connected our region through modern infrastructure suited to today’s needs.

Thus, the main reason for the project’s return to the agenda is not only historical legacy. It is the current necessity, based on historical experience, of strengthening trade, logistics, regional integration, and economic cooperation. This is precisely what makes the project feasible and meaningful today.

How does the project boost trade, build a regional economic corridor, support religious tourism, and create development opportunities for participating countries?

The point that this project should not be seen merely as a railway line is correct. What is actually at stake is the creation of a new economic and logistics corridor linking the GCC region to Europe via Turkiye.

Today, one of the most important needs of global trade is reliable, sustainable, and uninterrupted transport networks. The railway line between Saudi Arabia and Turkiye will provide a new alternative for freight transport, supporting trade flows extending from the GCC region to Europe.

This will not only increase transport capacity but also make supply chains more resilient and efficient.

In addition, the project has the potential to strengthen regional economic integration, as railways not only transport goods and passengers, but they also support production, investment, trade, and employment in the regions they pass through. Therefore, this corridor is expected to create new economic opportunities for cities and countries along its route.

One of the most important aspects of the project is its contribution to passenger mobility. If the corridor is also used for passenger transport in the future, it could significantly enhance tourism flows.

There is also strong potential in terms of Hajj and Umrah travel, as millions of Muslims visit the holy sites every year. A modern and integrated rail network could provide new transport options for pilgrims from different countries and increase regional mobility.

We see this project as a multi-dimensional initiative that simultaneously supports trade, logistics, tourism, and cultural interaction.

In this regard, it will contribute not only to the transport sector but also to regional development and economic cooperation between our countries.

What are the latest plans for the project, including the first-phase route cities and implementation timeline?

The technical evaluation process is still ongoing. Our priority is to precisely identify the existing infrastructure along the route, the needs, and the required works.

There is currently an extensive railway infrastructure on the Saudi side extending to the Jordanian border. On the Turkish side, the existing railway network reaches Gaziantep, Kilis, and Islahiye.

Preliminary assessments indicate that some sections, particularly in Syria and Jordan, require rehabilitation and renewal, and that missing segments need to be completed.

In the first phase, our objective is to assess the current condition of the line, identify the required works, and define their costs. We will then evaluate financing needs and the implementation model.

If the process proceeds according to plan, a clearer framework for the project’s scope and implementation method will emerge in the coming period. After that, we will be able to move to the implementation phase and operationalization of the line.

What is Turkiye’s role in this project? What steps has Turkiye taken so far to revive the project?

Turkiye is not only a country located along this route; it is also an important transport hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Therefore, we do not see the project as merely a railway line between two countries, but as part of a broader regional logistics and trade corridor.

Turkiye’s contribution is not limited to diplomacy and technical engagement. Over the past 24 years, we have treated railways as a strategic state policy and invested heavily in infrastructure that had been neglected for nearly a century. We have made our country the sixth-largest high-speed rail operator in Europe and the eighth in the world.

Today, we manage a railway network of around 14,000 km, including 2,251 km of high-speed rail lines. While continuing strategic projects such as Ankara-Izmir, Mersin-Adana-Osmaniye-Gaziantep, and Halkali-Kapikule, in addition to the Ankara- Kirikkale-Corum-Samsun project, we are also strengthening east-west and north-south connectivity.

With the Marmaray line, we connected Asia and Europe through a continuous rail link. With the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, we established one of the most important links of the Middle Corridor.

We will further strengthen our European connections through the ongoing Halkali-Kapikule line and the planned Sultan Selim Railway Bridge crossing. Therefore, Turkiye is not merely a transit country in this project, but one of the key connectivity nodes linking the GCC region to Europe.

Our goal is to leverage our infrastructure experience and railway capabilities developed in recent years to contribute to strengthening regional connectivity.

In this context, the Turkiye-Saudi railway line should be considered alongside other projects such as the Middle Corridor and the Development Road. We believe these integrated transport networks will strengthen trade, logistics, and economic integration in our region.

Which companies will implement the project – Saudi, Turkish, or international firms?

At this stage, no final structure has been defined for the companies participating in the project. First, the needs along the route, the required investments, and the financing model must be determined.

Once the technical studies are completed, the project implementation model will become clear. Based on that, the countries concerned will assess the appropriate implementation and financing mechanisms.

However, it can be stated with confidence that Turkiye has extensive experience in railway infrastructure, high-speed rail lines, and tunnels, as well as bridges, and large-scale transport projects.

We have developed strong engineering and contracting capabilities in recent years that have successfully delivered major projects both in Turkiye and beyond.

For this reason, we believe that when the project reaches the implementation stage, Turkish companies will be able to make valuable contributions through their expertise, technical capacity, and international partnerships.

Similarly, given Saudi Arabia’s large-scale investments in transport and logistics, a cooperation framework can be established that allows public institutions and the private sector in both countries to play key roles.

The final structure will be defined once technical studies, financing models, and implementation plans are completed.

Saudi Arabia has announced that feasibility studies for the project will be completed in the coming years, with construction to begin thereafter. What is Turkiye’s plan in this regard?

Our relevant institutions in Turkiye are primarily focused on placing the project on solid technical, economic, and operational foundations.

In the first phase, the existing infrastructure along the route is being assessed in detail, along with required investments and financing needs.

However, when evaluating this project, Turkiye’s railway investments over recent years must also be considered. Turkiye does not view railways merely as a national transport system, but as a key component of regional and global trade corridors.

Over the past 24 years, we have re-established railways as a national priority. With Marmaray, we connected Asia and Europe via a continuous rail line.

With the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, we created one of the most important links of the Middle Corridor. While strengthening our European links through the Halkali-Kapikule project, we are also increasing the capacity of our network on east-west and north-south axes through high-speed rail projects such as Ankara-Izmir, Mersin-Adana-Osmaniye-Gaziantep, and Ankara–Kirikkale-Corum-Samsun.

Currently, railway construction works exceeding 4,000 km are underway in our country. Once a significant portion of these investments is completed, Turkiye’s capacity for freight and passenger transport will rise substantially.

For this reason, we do not view the Saudi-Turkiye railway line as an isolated project, but as a strategic link complementing Turkiye’s Middle Corridor, Development Road, and European rail connections.

In the coming period, a more defined roadmap will emerge as technical requirements, costs, and financing models become clearer. Our goal is not only to build a new line, but to contribute to a strong and continuous rail network extending from the GCC region to Europe.

What technical challenges are likely to be encountered during the implementation of this important project?

The main technical challenge in this project does not lie in building an entirely new railway line from scratch, but rather in integrating existing infrastructure and completing the missing sections.

In fact, a significant portion of the line already exists. On the Saudi side, the rail network has largely reached the Jordanian border. On the Turkish side, the rail infrastructure provides continuous service up to Gaziantep, Islahiye, and Kilis.

From a technical perspective, the most critical areas of work are in Syria and Jordan. Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 400 km of track needs to be addressed. While existing infrastructure can be used in some sections, other parts require full reconstruction and rehabilitation.

On the Turkiye-Syria link, in particular, the section stretching roughly 100 to 110 km from the Turkish border to Aleppo was heavily damaged by the war and needs to be rebuilt.

The Aleppo-Damascus line is currently operational. However, there are also deficiencies and modernization needs on the Damascus-Amman section. In addition, signaling and communication systems, border crossings, and logistics operations need to be unified under an integrated framework.

However, when topographical conditions are assessed, there are no major engineering obstacles along the route that would be difficult to overcome. Therefore, the project is considered feasible once the technical studies are completed and the financing model is clarified.

How will the project improve the efficiency of land freight transport, and how will it enhance Saudi Arabia’s connectivity with neighboring countries?

One of the key contributions of this project is the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s regional and global connectivity.

Today, a country’s economic strength is measured not only by its natural resources, but also by its ability to integrate into global trade networks.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to diversify its economy, expand production and service sectors, attract international investment, and play a more active role in global supply chains. Strong transport links are critical to this transformation process.

Saudi Arabia is also currently investing in maritime infrastructure; however, modern logistics systems are not limited to ports alone. Ports must be connected to rail networks, logistics hubs, industrial zones, and international corridors. Railway lines, therefore, stand out as strategic investments that expand a country’s economic reach.

Through this project, Saudi Arabia would be able to strengthen its connections not only with Turkiye but also with the Eastern Mediterranean basin via Jordan and Syria.

At the same time, it would gain access through Turkiye to an extensive rail network extending into the Balkans, Central Europe, and the European Union.

Recent global developments have also highlighted the importance of diversified transport systems. Disruptions in supply chains during the pandemic, incidents in the Suez Canal, issues in the Strait of Hormuz, and regional tensions have all exposed the risks of relying on a single route or mode of transport for trade.

Countries are therefore increasingly seeking to build more resilient networks, rather than simply the shortest routes.

Could this project later extend to other GCC countries in future phases?

The project currently covers mainly the railway line between Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Turkiye. When we look at regional transport networks, we see significant progress in recent years in improving connectivity among GCC countries. Therefore, we believe that in the long term, broader regional integration through different links may be possible.

In fact, we have also discussed the possibility of including countries such as Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman in these connectivity networks in the future.

Naturally, it is too early at this stage to speak about any final plan or timeline for any country. Our priority is to clarify the technical, economic, and financial framework of the current corridor.

However, when we look at the nature of transport corridors, successful projects tend to expand over time. Lines that connect one country or a few countries today can become part of much broader regional networks in the years ahead.

Our vision is not limited to building a single railway line. The goal is to create an integrated system that can connect the GCC region to Europe via Turkiye, while also linking to strategic transport networks such as the Middle Corridor and the Development Road.

Therefore, the possibility of other GCC countries joining this network through different connections in the future can be assessed from both a technical and economic perspective.

This development would generate significant opportunities not only for the countries involved but also for regional trade, logistics, and economic integration. In the long term, the objective is not a single line, but a wide regional network of integrated transport corridors.