Amman, May 6 (Petra) – The Cabine approved justifications for a draft amendment to the 2026 Railway Services Licensing Regulations as part of efforts to modernise the sector's regulatory framework and enhance operational efficiency in line with regional and international standards.

The proposed amendments aim to support the gradual expansion of Jordan's national railway network and strengthen its role within the broader transport system.

They regulate the contractual relationship between the regulatory authority and licensees by improving the licensing system, striking a balance between attracting investment and reinforcing oversight, while enhancing operational readiness and public safety.

The draft includes measures to promote sustainability, regulate professional licensing, strengthen monitoring and governance mechanisms, improve data management and ensure higher compliance among operators.

It is expected to improve the investment environment and raise transport efficiency in line with global best practices. The draft was prepared in consultation with legal and technical experts.

In a related move to develop the land transport sector, the Cabinet approved regulatory measures to accelerate the modernisation of the truck fleet. These include reducing the maximum import age for trucks to five years and decommissioning or re-exporting vehicles older than 20 years.

The measures introduce financial and operational incentives, including full exemption from the 16% general sales tax, as well as registration and licensing fees.

The exemption period has been extended to two years, giving operators greater flexibility to upgrade their fleets.

The government aims to modernise more than 8,300 trucks within two years, improving efficiency, reducing maintenance and operating costs and enhancing the reliability of goods transport.

The initiative is expected to stimulate investment, support sector digitalisation and improve income opportunities for operators while gradually removing inefficient vehicles from the market.

As part of efforts to enhance public services, the Cabinet approved the award of a tender to rehabilitate and operate the Abu Zighan desalination plant in Deir Alla, valued at approximately $37 million, as well as two tenders for a wastewater network project in southwest Amman worth over JD16 million.

The Abu Zighan project would desalinate water from 15 wells to produce up to 12 million cubic meters annually, contributing to improved water supply in the Deir Alla district.

Funded by the European Investment Bank, it forms part of a broader $65 million package of water infrastructure projects.

The wastewater project, located within the Naur municipality, includes the construction of approximately 35 kilometers of networks to improve sanitation services. Together, the projects are expected to benefit around 400,000 residents.

On labour market regulation, the Cabinet approved moving forward with the draft Labour Inspectors Bylaw for 2026, aimed at modernising inspection procedures, enhancing efficiency and aligning oversight practices with international standards.

The bylaw seeks to unify inspection frameworks, reduce overlapping visits and support the development of a unified electronic inspection platform. It aims to facilitate the transition to the formal economy and strengthen compliance with labour and occupational safety standards.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the 2026 Administrative Organisation Bylaw for the Ministry of Youth, designed to modernise its structure and improve its ability to address youth-related issues.

The bylaw includes the establishment of new units, including one for the King Hussein bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Work, a Youth, Peace and Security Unit aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and a National Guidance Unit.

The Cabinet approved justifications for a draft Reward and Savings Fund Bylaw for employees of Al Balqa Applied University for 2026, aimed at enhancing financial governance, improving resource allocation, supporting long-term financial planning and reducing future budgetary pressures.

//Petra// AK