Reviving Lebanon’s Railway: A Path to Economic Growth and Regional Connectivity
Lebanon plans to revive its obsolete railway to reconnect with Syria and Iraq, potentially playing a role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The railway system, historically significant, has been inoperative since the 1975 civil war. Advocacy group Train Train, led by Carlos Naffa, pushes for a public-private partnership to restore the network, emphasizing its economic benefits amidst political and financial challenges.
Lebanon’s newly formed leadership is working to restore the country’s dormant railway network, aiming to revive connections with Syria and Iraq while potentially becoming a key player in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The railway, which historically linked Beirut to Damascus and Haifa, became nonfunctional due to the civil war that lasted 15 years starting in 1975, which devastated the already struggling infrastructure. Despite numerous proposals over the years, past governments have been unable to actualize restoration plans due to ongoing political instability, security issues, and a financial crisis that escalated in 2019.
Carlos Naffa, leader of the advocacy group “Train Train,” emphasizes the historical importance of the railway. He recalls that the inaugural train trip from Beirut to Damascus took place on August 3, 1895. Naffa has been vocal in criticizing former government corruption related to infrastructure, arguing that the Beirut Port explosion exemplifies governmental negligence, as they failed to solicit international railway proposals necessary for moving forward with restoration efforts.
Naffa points out that the annual Arab transit trade is estimated to surpass $200 billion, thus ensuring that no single regional facility, such as the Suez Canal or Israeli ports, could dominate this market. He underscores the importance of implementing the ESCWA Corridor agreement from 2003, which he believes will bolster European economies and improve transit flow amidst anticipated global economic growth by 2026. Beirut and Tripoli ports could hence supplement regional routes, enhancing global trade.
To advance the project, Train Train has proposed a comprehensive transport plan to connect various regions in Lebanon. This proposal will be presented to President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, advocating for public-private partnerships as a solution for financing and executing the railway’s restoration. Naffa believes that reviving this railway could be pivotal for Lebanon’s economic revival by improving connectivity and attracting foreign investment.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative remains a significant vector for infrastructure investment globally, with the Middle East receiving the majority of funding—$22 billion in the first half of 2022. Although BRI funding saw a minor decline, the region continues to receive 57% of the total, predominantly benefiting Saudi Arabia. Revitalizing the railway represents a critical opportunity for Lebanon, proponents argue, as it could boost trade, facilitate movement, and better integrate the nation into broader regional transit infrastructures.
The path toward reviving Lebanon’s railway faces daunting challenges, including political disturbances, financial restrictions, and governmental inaction. Various parliamentary factions have shown an interest in collaborating with foreign firms willing to invest, but efforts often remain shrouded in secrecy due to entrenched interests. The National Network for Transport Justice, a coalition of civil society organizations, vigilantly monitors the legality and integrity of transport initiatives.
Naffa insists that the railway development must adhere to a sustainable, long-term strategy that fosters economic growth and social equity. The proposed railway’s influence extends beyond Lebanon, potentially interlinking significant areas like the Bekaa Valley and Eastern Lebanon with transport routes in Syria and Iraq, facilitating broader regional connectivity. Recent developments indicate progress; Lebanese officials have begun discussing the rejuvenation of the railway system with intentions to restore links between Beirut, Tripoli, and their neighboring countries.
Sajee Atiyya, head of the Public Works Committee, has highlighted the strategic necessity of this project, stating that demands for railway revitalization have persisted for years. With President Aoun now in office, civic leaders express hope that tangible progress will soon follow. The planned railway system is expected to yield numerous benefits, such as alleviating traffic congestion, minimizing pollution, and stimulating economic growth by enhancing trade and tourism. By providing affordable transportation options, it will also make regional travel more accessible for the citizens of Lebanon.
The revival of Lebanon’s railway infrastructure is poised as a strategic initiative to reconnect with neighboring nations and tap into significant trade routes, especially within the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Despite past failures and ongoing political challenges, advocates like Carlos Naffa underscore the importance of this project for economic recovery. If successfully implemented, enhanced connectivity could play a pivotal role in transforming Lebanon’s transportation landscape, fostering regional cooperation, and stimulating economic growth.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
