The Council of Ministers, during a session chaired on Wednesday by Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, approved the justifications for a draft bylaw amending the Railway Services Licensing System for 2026.
The move aims to modernize the regulatory framework governing the railway sector and enhance its operational efficiency in line with Arab and international standards. It also seeks to support the development of rail transport in Jordan and strengthen its role within the national transportation system, particularly as part of the strategic expansion of the national railway network.
The draft bylaw regulates the contractual relationship between the regulatory authority and license holders by developing the licensing framework in a way that balances investment incentives with stronger sector oversight, while ensuring higher operational readiness.
The project also includes measures to enhance the sustainability of the railway sector and regulate professional licensing procedures, which are expected to positively impact public safety and service quality. In addition, it strengthens oversight and supervisory mechanisms, supports the role of regulatory authorities, improves compliance and governance among operators, and enhances data management and monitoring efficiency.
The government expects the draft bylaw to improve the investment environment in the railway sector and increase transportation efficiency in accordance with international best practices.
Measures to Modernize the Trucking Fleet
As part of broader efforts to develop the land transport sector and improve the efficiency of the trucking fleet, the Cabinet also approved regulatory measures aimed at accelerating the replacement and modernization of tractor-trailer trucks.
The measures include reducing the maximum permitted age for imported tractor heads to five years, while requiring trucks older than 20 years to be removed from service through scrapping or re-exporting, contributing to the renewal of the national fleet with more efficient vehicles.
Truck owners will receive financial and operational incentives, including:
* Full exemption from the 16% general sales tax
* Exemption from registration and licensing fees
* Extension of the exemption period to two years instead of one
The government aims to modernize more than 8,300 tractor trucks within two years, helping restructure and modernize the land transport fleet.
The measures are expected to reduce operational and maintenance costs through the use of modern, fuel-efficient vehicles, improve freight transportation efficiency, reduce breakdowns and delays, and stimulate investment in the transportation and logistics sectors.
Water and Infrastructure Projects
The Cabinet also approved the implementation tender for the rehabilitation and operation of the “Abu Al-Zeighan” desalination plant in the Deir Alla district at a cost of nearly $37 million.
The project aims to increase water supplies by desalinating water from 15 wells to produce 12 million cubic meters annually, funded by the European Investment Bank.
In addition, the government approved two tenders worth more than 16 million Jordanian dinars for sewage network projects in southwest Amman within the boundaries of the Naour Municipality. The projects include constructing approximately 35 kilometers of sewage networks to improve sanitation services in the area.
Around 400,000 people are expected to benefit from these projects.
Labor Inspection System and Youth Ministry Restructuring
The Cabinet also moved forward with procedures to approve the Labor Inspectors Bylaw for 2026, aimed at modernizing inspection procedures to keep pace with rapid changes in the labor market and improve oversight mechanisms in line with international standards.
The draft system seeks to coordinate inspection teams to avoid excessive visits and conflicting decisions while unifying inspection frameworks in accordance with the Economic Activities Inspection Law of 2017.
Additionally, the Council approved the Administrative Organization Bylaw for the Ministry of Youth for 2026 to modernize the ministry’s organizational structure through the creation of new units.
These include:
* A unit for the Al Hussein bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Work
* A Youth, Peace, and Security Unit aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250
* A National Guidance Unit focused on enhancing youth-oriented activities and programs
The Cabinet also approved the justifications for a draft bylaw concerning rewards and the savings fund for employees of Al-Balqa Applied University, aimed at rationalizing public spending, enhancing governance and financial discipline, improving resource allocation efficiency, and strengthening the university’s long-term financial planning capabilities.
