Syria’s Ministry of Transport announced that around $200 million has been allocated through a World Bank grant to finance a number of railway infrastructure projects aimed at accelerating the country’s economic recovery.  Ali Asbar, Director of Land Transport Affairs at the ministry, told SANA on Monday that the funding will be directed toward upgrading railway infrastructure, procuring locomotives and equipment, maintaining existing locomotives, and improving the skills of personnel at the ministry and the General Establishment for Railways.  Asbar said the ministry places priority on connecting production areas with industrial centers in order to reduce transport costs, strengthen competitiveness and support sustainable recovery through an upgraded rail network.  He added that studies are underway to reactivate key transport corridors, particularly routes linking Syria with neighboring countries, including the north-south axis, as well as lines connecting seaports with inland dry ports so they can be ready for operation once financing is secured.  Asbar said rail transport plays a central role in supporting Syria’s agricultural and industrial sectors by linking production zones with markets and manufacturing centers, transporting crops and raw materials to factories, and delivering finished goods to domestic and foreign markets.  He noted that major industries such as food processing, cement and fertilizers depend heavily on rail due to its speed, reliability and lower cost.  The official said expanding the railway network would strengthen Syria’s export capacity by providing a reliable and low-cost route to ports and regional and international markets, particularly amid challenges facing road transport.  He added that railways are among the most energy-efficient transport modes and generate lower carbon emissions, making them consistent with global sustainable development trends.  Transport Minister Yarub Badr discussed railway cooperation and sustainable transport financing with World Bank Regional Director for the Middle East Jean-Christophe Carret in February, with the two sides agreeing on funding for new locomotives and maintenance of existing units.  Syria’s railways recorded strong freight growth in the first quarter of 2026, transporting 232,443 tonnes, up 81 percent from the same period last year. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency