The Hejaz Railway: Past and Present
The Hejaz Railway, a significant part of the Ottoman railway system, was originally envisioned as a pilgrim and military line from the northern cities of the Ottoman Empire to the holy city of Mecca. While construction was paused due to World War I, the railway serves as a fascinating link to the past, with remnants and newer sections still in use today.
Historical Background and Construction
The Hejaz railway was a 1050 mm narrow-gauge railway that extended from Damascus, the main regional city, to Medina in western Arabia. The original plan even included a branch line to supply construction material from Haifa port to Daara, Galilee. Despite not reaching its intended endpoint of Mecca (400 kilometers short), the completed section from Damascus to Medina was 1,320 kilometers long and functioned from 1908 to 1920, amidst the World War I.
Current Status and Revival Efforts
In Jordan: Two sections of the Hejaz railway are currently in operation: from Amman to Damascus as the Hedjaz Jordan Railway, and from the Ma'an phosphate mines to the Aqaba port. Restoration efforts have been made, with many original locomotives now operational. The train, which began from Qadam station outside Damascus, offers a unique insight into the past. The Ministry of Transport in Jordan has proposed a 1,590-kilometer network, which could commence by 2022, with plans to improve both freight and passenger rail links.
In Saudi Arabia: The KSA government completed the Medina-Mecca line via Jeddah with the Haramain high-speed railway in 2018. Many historical sections have been restored, including the Medina Terminus and the mejidieh railway bridge, enhanced and reopened in 2005. Although some railway structures in Jordan and Saudi Arabia have been repurposed or removed, efforts are underway to revitalize the Hejaz railway for both tourist and commercial purposes.
In Israel: Partial rebuilds of the Haifa extension, known as the Jezreel Valley railway, are seeing progress. The line, opened in October 2016, connects Haifa to Beit Shaan and is part of the larger Israeli railway network. Plans exist to extend it to Jordan, fostering regional connectivity.
Future Prospects and Challenges
With the diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and Saudi Arabia, there is renewed interest in restoring the Haifa to Riyadh line. This could include a commercial and tourist rail connection from Tel Aviv to the Gulf states. However, the project faces challenges such as funding, political stability in the region, and the need for harmonized rail gauge standards.
The revival of the Hejaz railway not only holds historical significance but also promises to enhance regional connectivity and tourism. As plans progress, the railway brings prosperity and a renewed appreciation for the rich cultural legacy of the region.