Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are aiming to establish a railway connection linking the two countries through Syria and Jordan within the next three to four years, according to Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
The proposed route would form part of a wider regional transport network connecting the Gulf to Europe and could eventually include several other Arab states.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Uraloğlu said the project would strengthen trade links and provide an alternative transport corridor at a time of growing concerns over disruptions to maritime routes in the region.
He said the railway could help ease future challenges caused by instability affecting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping lanes.
According to Uraloğlu, much of the infrastructure already exists.
The rail connection from Riyadh to Jordan's border has been completed, while on the Turkish side the route already extends to Kilis and Gaziantep near the Syrian border.
The main challenge is a missing section of around 400 kilometres between Syria and Jordan.
A financial framework for the project is now being prepared.
Uraloğlu said investment plans include around $100 million to restore the railway between Türkiye and the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, creating a direct rail link that could eventually extend to Damascus.
Beyond commercial transport, the railway could also serve millions of Muslim pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia each year for the Hajj.
Supporters of the project believe it could reduce transport costs, boost regional trade and strengthen economic ties between countries across the Middle East.
The plan comes as Syria seeks to rebuild its infrastructure after more than a decade of conflict.
Since the fall of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad at the end of 2024, Türkiye has developed close relations with the new authorities in Damascus and has pledged support for reconstruction efforts.
If completed, the railway would mark one of the most ambitious regional transport projects in recent years, linking Gulf economies directly to Türkiye and opening a new overland route to European markets.
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