Damascus, June 2 (SANA) Syria’s transport sector requires extensive rehabilitation, regulatory reform and greater private-sector participation to overcome years of infrastructure deterioration, Transport Minister Yarub Badr said on Tuesday.
Speaking during the second day of the first “Syrian Private Sector Dialogue 2026”, Badr outlined the main challenges facing the sector and presented priorities aimed at supporting its recovery.
He said the transport sector spans geographical, economic, social and technological dimensions and requires a regulatory authority capable of setting standards, overseeing operations and organizing partnerships with private investors.
Badr said the General Establishment for Railways faces major challenges, with more than half of Syria’s rail network currently out of service. He called on the private sector to contribute to efforts to rehabilitate and reactivate railway lines.
The minister added that the government is seeking a comprehensive assessment of Syria’s national road network based on modern technical standards. Discussions are underway with the Islamic Development Bank to secure technical support for the project, he said.
According to Badr, the General Establishment for Road Transport manages approximately 9,550 kilometers of national roads connecting major provinces, production centers and consumer markets. The network includes 1,618 kilometers of highways, although many roads still require upgrades to meet approved technical standards.
Badr also announced that the ministry is working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop Syria’s National Sustainable Land Transport Policy.
In addition, plans are underway to establish a national digital platform for freight transport services in partnership with the private sector, a move aimed at improving regulation and efficiency across the sector.
The minister said freight transportation remains one of the sector’s most pressing challenges due to the aging truck fleet. Around 75 percent of trucks with a carrying capacity exceeding 11 tons are more than 20 years old, while only 1 percent are between five and 10 years old. Trucks less than five years old are nearly absent from the fleet, he said.
Badr said addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts involving government institutions, international partners and private-sector stakeholders to modernize transport infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country.
R.D/ABD
