Jordan Times
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Tourist train readies to
steam off in August
By Dalya Dajani
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.