Lebanon aims to revive its historic railway network to re-establish connectivity with Syria and Iraq, aligning with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Despite prior setbacks due to instability and economic challenges, advocates emphasize the railway’s role in boosting trade, tourism, and regional integration. Recent political support may finally enable progress on this vital infrastructure project.
Lebanon’s new leadership is taking steps to revive the nation’s historically significant railway network, which once connected Beirut to Damascus and Haifa. This project aims to restore connections with neighboring Syria and Iraq while aligning Lebanon as a potential link in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The railway system, severely damaged during the civil war, has seen numerous revival attempts that ultimately failed due to political instability and financial crises.
Carlos Naffa, head of the pro-rail advocacy group “Train Train,” has been a prominent advocate for restoring the railway infrastructure. He outlined the railway’s historical importance and criticized the previous government’s mishandling of infrastructure projects. Naffa condemned the government’s negligence, highlighting the Beirut Port explosion as a failure to undertake necessary precautions and studies from international railway experts.
Furthermore, Naffa emphasized the need to enhance Arab transit trade, which is estimated to exceed $200 billion annually. He remarked that the ESCWA Corridor agreement, signed in 2003, would bolster European economies and increase regional transit activity. The revitalization of Lebanon’s railways would allow ports in Beirut and Tripoli to support and compete in the global trade arena.
The proposal to restore Lebanon’s railway is set to be presented to newly elected President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. It advocates for public-private partnerships to finance the restoration, viewing the railway project as a cornerstone for Lebanon’s economic recovery through increased connectivity and foreign investment attraction.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative represents significant global infrastructure investment opportunities; the Middle East received substantial funding in early 2022. Advocates argue that Lebanon’s railway revival could bolster trade and mobility, integrating the country into broader regional transport networks. Despite international interest, progress on this front faces challenges like political turbulence and financial constraints.
Naffa noted that parliamentary discussions with potential foreign investors have largely remained behind closed doors due to conflicting political and financial interests. The National Network for Transport Justice is tracking the project’s legal and financial integrity, ensuring transparency. Naffa insists on a long-term, sustainable plan for railway development that supports economic growth and social equity.
Recent developments indicate momentum, with local officials expressing renewed commitment to the rail project. Saeed Atiyya, the chairman of the Public Works Committee, emphasized the historic demand for reviving the rail system now that President Aoun is in office. The intended benefits include less traffic congestion, reduced pollution, and stimulated economic growth by enhancing trade and tourism opportunities.
Lebanon’s initiative to revive its railway system represents a strategic opportunity for economic growth and regional unity. Despite past challenges, the renewed political will and public-private partnerships could transform the country’s infrastructure and enhance its connectivity with neighboring nations. Advocates highlight the potential benefits for trade, tourism, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable approach to infrastructure development.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
