Amman, Jan. 12 (Petra) -- The Jordan Heritage Revival Company has completed the second phase of its project to equip and operate a steam train in Ma’an Governorate, in line with an operational plan developed by the company.

Chief Executive Officer Muayyad Abu Rumman said the phase included comprehensive technical inspections of historic passenger cars, their full maintenance and outfitting, and their transfer from several railway stations to Ma’an station as part of preparations for the next operational stage.

Abu Rumman told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that passenger cars were transported from Amman, Lubban, and Qatrana stations under the approved plan, in preparation for launching tourist trips during the next phase of the project.

He explained that the first phase involved transporting the steam train from Amman to Ma’an in cooperation with the Jordan Armed Forces and the Jordan-Hejaz Railway Corporation. During the second phase, the company selected and refurbished the passenger cars, completed their interior fittings, and installed seating donated by Royal Jordanian Airlines before transferring the cars to Ma’an station to finalize operational requirements.

Abu Rumman said the work aligns with Royal directives and follows up on discussions held during visits by His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to the Founder King’s Palace site in Ma’an. He added that the project forms part of the company’s broader operational plan to develop the "Nahda Triangle," which includes the Sharif Hussein bin Ali House in Aqaba, the Founder King’s Palace in Ma’an, and the Great Arab Revolt exhibit in Wadi Rum.

He noted that completing the transfer of passenger cars marks a key milestone in preparations to operate the steam train in Ma’an, adding that the company is working according to a set timetable to finalize technical and operational readiness within a month, with the aim of launching the first trips at the beginning of spring.

Abu Rumman said the project represents a qualitative addition to Jordan’s tourism product, contributing to the promotion of tourism in Ma’an Governorate and surrounding areas, supporting local communities, and highlighting the historical significance of the Great Arab Revolt. He added that final preparations are underway ahead of the start of operations.

He also noted that Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Her Royal Highness Princess Salma bint Abdullah II recently began their tour of Wadi Rum with a short ride on the Great Arab Revolt Railway, during which they were briefed on the company’s work. Abu Rumman said the train journey offers visitors a unique experience that recreates scenes from 1916 and brings to life the history of the Great Arab Revolt.

He explained that the Ma’an steam train project is a core component of the "Nahda Triangle" initiative, which links key historical sites associated with the Great Arab Revolt through an integrated tourism experience that enhances the historical narrative and enriches the national tourism offering.

//Petra// AJ