Syria’s Minister of Transportation, Yarab Badr, met with Raqqa Governor Abdurahman Salama to review the province’s 2026 plan for road and bridge maintenance and development. The initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure and improve road safety across several key transportation corridors.
The plan focuses on maintaining and rehabilitating major strategic roads connecting Raqqa with Aleppo, Tal Abyad, Athriya-Salamiyah, Karamah-Matab-Deir Ezzor, and Mansoura-Rusafa-Athriya. Authorities plan rehabilitating the Raqqa-Deir Ezzor road and repairing several vital bridges, including those in Kharar, Shariha and Suwayda.
The project also includes rehabilitation work on the Rashidah, Mansour and Maadan bridges. Officials said the improvements will enhance transportation links between provinces and support safer travel across northeastern Syria.
Funding and Future Bridge Projects
Badr estimated the total cost of the Raqqa projects at approximately $15 million. He said the government will finance the work through allocated development credits designated for rehabilitating the country’s road and bridge network.
According to the minister, the projects will improve infrastructure efficiency and strengthen connectivity between different regions. He also revealed that discussions are underway with the Saudi Development Fund regarding a soft loan to finance the construction of a new bridge in Raqqa and another in Deir Ezzor.
Badr emphasized the importance of establishing clear priorities and closely monitoring roads under the authority of the Road Transport Authority to ensure effective implementation. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to expanding and improving the transport network to support economic development and public safety.
Deir Ezzor Infrastructure Under Review
Badr later met with Deir Ezzor Governor Ziyad al-Ayesh to assess the condition of the province’s roads and bridges. The meeting included Road Transport Authority Director Muaz Najjar, while Finance Minister Muhammad Barnieh participated via video conference.
Discussions centered on challenges created by years of conflict-related destruction and recent flooding, as well as maintenance priorities outlined in the Ministry of Transport’s 2026 plan. Participants reviewed damaged roads and bridges and identified rehabilitation priorities aimed at maintaining traffic flow and improving public services, in line with directives from President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Major Investment Proposals for Deir Ezzor
Badr called for accelerated maintenance efforts and stronger coordination among relevant authorities to secure the resources needed for implementation. Ayesh said that much of the province’s road and bridge infrastructure remains in severe disrepair and requires extensive rehabilitation using modern engineering methods.
Najjar presented plans for major maintenance projects linking Deir Ezzor with Mayadin, Albukamal, Hasakah and Raqqa, with an estimated cost of $6.7 million. He also outlined four strategic bridge and road rehabilitation projects valued at $30.5 million, in addition to the proposed Damascus-Palmyra-Deir Ezzor highway.
Barnieh affirmed the ministry’s support for securing funding and expediting implementation. Participants agreed to continue emergency and technical efforts to restore damaged infrastructure as quickly as possible.
