International Train

Damascus-Amman International Train
Overview
Service type Inter-city rail
Status Operating
Locale Southern Syria, northern Jordan
First service 1924
Current operator(s) CFH, HJR
Route
Start Qaddam Station, Damascus
End Central Station, Amman
Distance travelled 222.4 kilometers (138.2 mi)
Service frequency Daily
On-board services
Seating arrangements Coach
Technical
Rolling stock Mavag railcars
Track gauge 1,050 mm (3 ft 5 1132 in)
Track owner(s) CFH, JHR

The Damascus-Amman International Train commonly referred to International Train is a train service operating on the former Hedjaz Railway from Damascus, Syria to Amman, Jordan. It is currently the only passenger train operating in Jordan. The train operates on narrow gauge tracks of 1,050 mm (3 ft 5 1132 in).

History

The Hedjaz Railway opened in 1908 by the Ottoman Empire from Damascus to Medina. Service was suspended during World War I. After the war only the Damascus-Ma'an section re-opened. In 1924, the International Train ran its first trip from Hejaz Train Station in Damascus to Ma'an. Since 1960 the train only ran from Damascus to Amman. Diesel Locomotives became the primary power after 1976.

Gauge

In 2008 it was announced that the HJR and the CFH were planning to convert the line from narrow gauge to standard gauge.

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