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Damascus–Amman train

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Damascus–Amman International Train
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
StatusOperating
LocaleSouthern Syria, northern Jordan
First service1924
Current operator(s)CFH, HJR
Route
TerminiQaddam Station, Damascus
Central Station, Amman
Distance travelled222.4 kilometers (138.2 mi)
Service frequencyDaily
On-board services
Seating arrangementsCoach
Technical
Rolling stockMavag railcars
Track gauge1,050 mm (3 ft 5+1132 in)
Track owner(s)CFH, JHR

The Damascus–Amman train or Damascus–Amman railway is an international 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

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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

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

See also

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