Jordan to Launch Salik Jordan Toll Roads by End of 2025

Jordan is preparing to roll out its first nationwide toll road system, Salik Jordan, by the last quarter of 2025. This major step aims to reduce traffic congestion, upgrade infrastructure, and provide a steady revenue source for road development.

The move places Jordan on a similar path to its regional neighbors, many of which already operate successful tolling systems. Officials say the program is being designed to balance efficiency and fairness, ensuring that drivers always have access to free alternative routes if they prefer not to use paid roads.

Early Signs of Salik Jordan

The first hints of the system came earlier this year when electronic toll gates were seen on the Muqer–Omari Road, which links Amman with Saudi Arabia. The appearance of these gates confirmed that Jordan is preparing to join the global shift toward smart transport systems.

Officials have said the program will be modeled after systems in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Europe, where tolling has become an important part of managing roads and traffic.

Regional Models That Inspire Jordan

Jordan is looking closely at successful toll road experiences across the region.

• In Dubai, Salik was introduced in 2007 and is widely credited with cutting congestion and reinvesting revenue into transport expansion.
• Abu Dhabi’s Darb system has helped regulate traffic in busy city corridors, improving traffic flow in the capital.
• Morocco now has over 1,800 kilometers of toll roads connecting major cities and boosting trade.
• Egypt has integrated toll roads into its infrastructure strategy, with routes like the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road supporting modernization.

These examples show that tolling systems, when managed well, can improve traffic, generate sustainable funding, and modernize road networks.

How the System Will Work

Under Salik Jordan, drivers will pay based on the distance they travel.

• Small vehicles will be charged 11 fils per kilometer.
• Trucks and buses will be charged 22 fils per kilometer.

This pricing is designed to be fair. Smaller vehicles pay less, while larger, heavier vehicles—which place more strain on roads—will contribute more.

At the same time, the government has promised that free roads will always remain available, meaning no driver will be forced to pay if they prefer not to.

Why Jordan Needs Salik Jordan

Traffic congestion in Jordan, especially in Amman and on key highways, has become a growing problem. With rising vehicle numbers and limited budgets for road maintenance, the government is seeking long-term solutions.

The toll system is expected to:

• Reduce congestion in busy areas.
• Improve the condition and safety of roads.
• Create reliable revenue for repairs and expansions.
• Ease pressure on the state budget.

By reinvesting toll revenues directly into the road network, Jordan will be able to keep infrastructure at higher standards without depending only on government funding.

History and Development of the Project

The idea of toll roads in Jordan dates back to the 1990s. In 2019, a World Bank study recommended tolls on 14 roads, including highways and ring roads, covering almost 18 percent of the country’s paved network.

The Amman Development Corridor was identified as a priority for tolling. This project is expected to ease traffic within the capital and support new economic activity along the route.

By 2023, Jordan had completed a full economic feasibility study, formed technical and steering committees, allocated funds through the Ministry of Investment, and started drafting a legal framework. These steps laid the groundwork for the 2025 launch.

Addressing Public Concerns

Transport costs are often a sensitive subject in Jordan. Fuel prices and road expenses have sparked protests in the past, so the government is aware of the potential risks.

To prevent backlash, officials have stressed that:

• Drivers will always have free alternatives.
• Toll rates are transparent and predictable.
• Money collected will be reinvested in roads and transport upgrades.

This approach is intended to show that tolls are not an extra tax, but a system for better roads and smoother journeys.

Benefits for the Economy and Citizens

The Salik Jordan system is expected to provide benefits on several levels.

For commuters, it will mean shorter travel times and less congestion. For businesses, it will make transporting goods across the country and to neighboring states more efficient. For the government, it will create a self-sustaining revenue source that can fund ongoing infrastructure improvements.

The wider economy will also benefit. Jordan’s location makes it an important link between the Levant and the Gulf, and better highways will support trade and logistics.

Looking Ahead

If Salik Jordan launches as scheduled, it will mark one of the most significant upgrades to Jordan’s transport system in decades. It represents more than just toll collection—it is a step toward modern, sustainable, and smart infrastructure.

By keeping a balance between paid and free options, Jordan hopes to deliver a solution that is fair for citizens while ensuring the country’s road network remains strong and future-ready.