The century-old railways of Hejaz that no tourist visiting Jordan can ever resist!
The heyday of Hejaz railways dates centuries back where tracks were laid in the most unthinkable hills and deserts. Connecting the distance must have taken a really long time while pilgrims waited patiently for the routes to become more comfortable.
History Of Hejaz Railways
Also known as Hijaz Railways, it was built over 100 years back by the ottomans who intended to connect Instanbul to Mecca. It was done solely to make it easier for pilgrims travelling to Mecca who depended on Camels to reach there in 4-6 months.
German engineers were engaged in the designing and execution of the railway line. It was in 1908 that the line was laid between Damascus and Medina, which reduced the time travel to the pilgrimage by 45 days.
The Extension Of The Rail Line-
The railway track could be extended on either side but could not happen for many reasons. The primary reason was World War II and the Arab revolution of 1915. The noncooperation of the Bedouins tribe also put a significant setback to the railway building and put an abonnement on the building many times.
Jordan Hejaz Railways-
A part of the heritage railway lies in Jordan that operates as Jordan Hejaz Railways. It connects trains in the length of the country through its 450 km of tracks. The passenger service not only connects Jordan but also Syria and Saudi Arabia. A part of it is used by the mining industry to port mined products to Aqaba. The tourist attraction of the old heritage train running across the desert is something no tourist can resist once they are in the country.
Tourism Product-
A tiny stretch of 10 km track is used by the tourism industry to pull wagons with a steam engine. Tourists are not allowed in the train but can click pictures along with it and walk along the tracks amidst the beautiful desert sand.
Arab Revolution Show-
In the middle of Wadi Rum desert, the Hejaz railways highlight the visit there. It recreates the Arab revolution of 1916. The rock formation emerging out of sand creates curious scenes in the landscape. The high-tech recreation is a sheer surprise for many visitors. With bullet shows and horses galloping around, there is nothing else we could expect from the wild sand.
