Syrian Transport Minister Yarub Badr met with Dr. Dahlia Khalifa, the newly-appointed World Bank Director for the Middle East, at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus. The meeting focused on strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation in the sector and advance Syria transport infrastructure through targeted rehabilitation and modernization initiatives.
Strategic Initiatives for Railway Infrastructure and Logistics
During the discussions, both parties examined a proposal submitted by shipping firm CMA CGM to study rail container transport from the Latakia Port container terminal to dry ports in Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus. The proposal includes exploring a public-private partnership structure to carry out the initiative. Additionally, the discussions covered highway projects operating under the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) model, alongside plans to review previous feasibility studies and evaluate immediate implementation options.
Minister Badr highlighted the crucial role of the Ministry of Transport in driving economic recovery and enhancing regional connectivity with neighboring nations. He explained that the ministry is actively formulating a comprehensive national policy for sustainable multimodal transport systems, alongside an updated operational strategy for the entire railway sector.
Budget Allocations and World Bank Commitment
To support these transport infrastructure modernization efforts, the Syrian government has allocated funding from its state budget to restore vital network routes. Priority routes designated for rehabilitation include the line extending from the Jordanian border through Damascus, Homs, and Hama to Aleppo and the Turkish border, as well as the key Damascus–Tanf–Deir Ezzor corridor. The estimated cost for rehabilitating major roads stands between $300 million and $500 million. International tenders have been issued, and submitted proposals from international firms are currently under review prior to execution.
Dr. Khalifa reaffirmed the commitment of the World Bank to assist Syria in establishing a sustainable multimodal transport network. She noted that the World Bank will work directly with the Ministry of Transport to prepare the necessary groundwork for the upcoming transport infrastructure project aimed at upgrading railways.
