The Syrian Ministry of Transport has allocated around EUR 170.8 million (USD 200 million) from a World Bank grant for several projects aimed at restoring the war-damaged railway infrastructure. Transport Minister Yarub Badr finalised the financing agreement in February 2026 with Jean-Christophe Carret, the World Bank’s Regional Director for the Middle East. According to the ministry, the funds will go toward infrastructure renewal, the procurement of new locomotives and the repair of existing ones as well as staff training. The standard-gauge network had suffered significant damage during the nearly 14-year civil war, which lasted until December 2024. Studies are currently underway to reactivate key lines, particularly those leading to the borders with Turkey and Iraq. Priority is being given to corridors between Mediterranean ports and inland terminals. At the same time, freight transport has recovered. In the first quarter of 2026 (Q1/2026), the Syrian state railway CFS transported a total of 232,443 t of freight, representing an 81% increase compared to Q1/2025.