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Jordan: Tourist train readies to steam off in August

AMMAN -- A steam-powered locomotive set to take tourists on an adventurous trip between Aqaba and Wadi Rum is expected to begin plying its route in August, a project official said Monday.

The six-carriage tourist train, which adopts the old style steam and diesel locomotives of the Hijaz Railway, will carry passengers on a 20-kilometre trip through the unique desert landscape of the Kingdom's southern region.

The project's planners, which include the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the Aqaba Railway Corporation and the Ministry of Tourism, began work on the train early last year to diversify the tourist experience in Jordan.

ASEZA projects director Hussein El Share said the locomotive is slated to make two trips a week in the initial phase, taking passengers on a two-and-a-half hour trip of the area, including the site of Great Arab Revolt.

Passengers can also watch onboard documentaries about the Kingdom's history and have a meal in the train's dining car.

"The tourist train is expected to begin operating in August with promotional brochures being prepared by the Tourism Ministry to highlight some of the landmarks on its route," El Share told The Jordan Times yesterday.

He said the train, which features a traditional interior design, will add a new dimension to the range of tourist services in the area, particularly for foreign visitors on package tours.

"Local tourists may take an interest in experiencing the tourist train adventure, but I believe most of the demand in the long-run will be generated by overseas visitors," he added.

The plan to build a steam-powered locomotive was approved by His Majesty King Abdullah during a visit to the southern governorate last year.

With its long stretch of sandy beaches and the spectacular sand dunes in neighbouring Wadi Rum, Aqaba has become a favoured destination on vacationers' travel itineraries.

Sand and sea adventures in these two areas are often featured on package tours to the Kingdom.

Renowned for its unique coral reefs and marine life, this Red Sea resort is also filled with various historical landmarks such as the Mamlouk Fort, and a Crusader Castle rebuilt in the 16th century with various inscriptions marking the latter period of Islamic rule.

A museum also houses a collection of artefacts from various parts of the region including pottery and coins.

The area also hosts the house of Sharif Hussein Ben Ali, the great grandfather of King Abdullah, which will be one of the stops made by the tourist train.

Due to its steam-powered system, the train will make three stops on its tour, each for around 20 minutes, to fill up with water.

The stations will be equipped with resthouses, coffee shops and cafeterias early next year, Share said.

By Dalya Dajani

© Jordan Times 2005