The ITF is the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers, and the stakes were high. Road crashes kill approximately 1.2 million people every year. That number has barely moved despite decades of effort, and the ministers were there to agree on a more coordinated global response.

The first document, the Policy Recommendation on Comprehensive Road Safety, was developed with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO). It calls on governments to adopt ’evidence-based, safety-focused, well-coordinated and inclusive road safety approaches that best fit each location, and to focus on where the most lives can be saved’. The recommendation pays particular attention to children and young people between the ages of 5 and 29, the group for whom road crashes are the leading cause of death.

The summit also piloted a new road safety assessment framework designed specifically for businesses, bringing the private sector more directly into road safety efforts.

Dr. Nhan Tran, WHO’s Head of Safety and Mobility, made the link between transport and public health explicit: “There are extremely important links between resilient transport systems, and strengthening health and safety. Resilient transport should first and foremost be safe and healthy.”

The second document, the Policy Recommendation Concerning the Use of Artificial Intelligence by Transport Authorities, addresses the rapid spread of AI tools in transport planning, traffic management, and infrastructure. It urges authorities to take four specific actions: “overseeing and stewarding AI deployment, increasing awareness through inventorying AI use, assessing and balancing risks and benefits, and improving AI literacy and skills within their organisations.”

In plain terms, the recommendation asks governments to understand what AI tools they are already using, evaluate whether those tools are safe and fair, and invest in training their staff to work alongside AI responsibly.

Chile’s Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz, who chaired the ITF Council session, was visibly enthusiastic about both agreements. “This is great news,” he said, describing the joint adoption as a ’highlight’ of the summit.

The two recommendations work together. AI can process traffic data, predict crash hotspots, and help design safer roads, but only if governments know how to use it responsibly. Combined with evidence-based safety strategies targeting the most vulnerable road users, these policies represent a more integrated approach to saving lives.

The agreements align with broader UN efforts, including road safety initiatives under the UNECE framework, and are positioned as contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals. Both documents are publicly available for immediate download, signalling that implementation is the next step rather than further deliberation.

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The policy, which is expected to support transport enterprises in the Southeast Asian country, will also reduce logistics costs, in addition to stimulating economic activity during the implementation period.

“In addition, inland waterway vessels operating between domestic ports and terminals will also benefit from fee exemptions. These include vessel tonnage fees, port and terminal entry and exit charges, and inland waterway reporting fees, costs that account for a significant share of waterway transport expenses,” the Circular noted.

The new policy is expected to provide a solid boost to Vietnam’s pursuit of becoming a major logistics hub in Asia and beyond. In 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed a decision approving the National Strategy for the Development of Vietnam’s Logistics Services for 2025-2035.

This became a historic occasion, as the Southeast Asian country adopted, for the first time, a comprehensive, long-term framework to build a globally competitive logistics sector, while accommodating elements such as digital transformation and green and sustainable growth within the roadmap.

Since then, Vietnam has upgraded its approach toward the logistics sector, recognising it as a key economic sector with high added value and strategic importance to the Southeast Asian nation’s economic competitiveness.

Under its national strategy, between 2025 and 2035, Vietnam wants to ensure that the value added by the logistics sector reaches 5%-7% of its national GDP, growing at an average of 12%-15% annually. By 2050, logistics services are expected to contribute 7%-9% of GDP, maintaining a yearly growth rate of 10%-12%.

While 70%-80% of domestic enterprises are expected to use outsourced logistics services by 2035, the ration, by 2050, will increase to 90%. Vietnam also eyes bringing down its logistics costs to 12%-15% of GDP by 2035, and 10%-12% by 2050.

Apart from breaking into the top 40 countries in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by 2035 and the top 30 by 2050, the roadmap also envisions digital transformation playing a central role in Vietnam’s makeover as a global logistics hub, with 80% of businesses expected to adopt digital solutions by 2025, a ratio that will become 100% by 2050.

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The latest PIPE deal values Einride at a pre-money valuation of USD 1.35 billion. The figure, despite being down from the USD 1.8 billion figure initially attached to the SPAC deal, still shows rising investor appetite towards the Swedish start-up. The PIPE also exceeded the company’s earlier target of raising up to USD 100 million. The venture has secured around $213 million from this particular transaction alone, including the previously announced crossover financing capital of USD 100 million.

“The SPAC, which will see Einride trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), had been expected to deliver roughly USD 220 million from Legato’s trust account. With the addition of the USD 113 million PIPE, the companies now project total gross proceeds of about USD 333 million before redemptions and expenses, though they say they may seek additional capital before closing. The proceeds will support Einride’s technology roadmap, global expansion, and autonomous deployments in North America, Europe, and the Middle East,” reported TechCrunch.

The Breakthrough ‘Pod-like Truck’ Concept

Since its formation in 2016, Einride’s technology has continually improved, driven by a single goal: making the transport and logistics sectors safer, cleaner, and more reliable. As of March 2026, apart from operating a fleet of 200 heavy-duty electric trucks in Europe, North America, and the UAE for companies like Heineken, PepsiCo, Carlsberg Sweden, and DP World, Einride has also implemented limited deployments of its autonomous pod-like trucks with customers, including Apotea in Sweden and GE Appliances in the United States.

Einride has built its own digital platform, combining cabless autonomous fleets, software, and human-driven electric trucks, in order to decarbonise, automate, and secure global supply chains. The start-up’s end-to-end autonomous freight ecosystem has been designed for real-world operational needs, whether serving industrial shippers, retailers, ports, or logistics hubs. The venture’s vehicle-agnostic autonomous service further integrates across OEM vehicles and fleet operations, from commercial freight to specialised civilian applications.

The autonomous platform, from assessment to live autonomous freight, has been built in a structured and scalable manner, suitable for immediate commercial impact upon deployment. Developed in-house, Einride’s core software, senses the environment, makes driving decisions, and controls the start-up’s pod-like trucks.

“We identify high-volume, repetitive routes where autonomy delivers the strongest utilisation, cost efficiency, and operational stability. Infrastructure, site interfaces, traffic conditions, and regulatory pathways are evaluated to define a clear deployment plan and timeline. Routes are digitally modelled and stress-tested before launch, reducing risk and protecting service levels from day one. Vehicles operate under permit and integrate into live freight flows, with real-time oversight and defined response protocols. Operations expand across vehicles, lanes, and operating hours – compounding cost efficiency, capacity, and network resilience,” Einride explained its platform.

By going autonomous, Einride is helping the transport and logistics industries increase their operational savings, especially in terms of electrification and higher vehicle utilisation. Industry players are also minimising risk in repetitive, high-frequency cargo flows by reducing reliance on in-cab drivers in complex environments. Apart from achieving zero tailpipe emissions, the start-up’s pod-like trucks also address critical issues such as driver shortages, shift constraints and labour volatility, as clients can seamlessly scale transport volumes beyond traditional shift structures to meet fluctuating cargo demands.

Making Road Freight Completely Electric

Einride’s end-to-end service takes care of everything from drivers, routes, trucks, to charging. The start-up’s in-house software and most importantly, its Saga AI, connect cargo shipments, vehicle charging and driver data to optimise every part of its clients’ operations, with the philosophy of “better data leads to better decisions.”

Saga AI’s planning feature helps electric trucks move 85% of the goods, covering 54% of the distance, compared to 57% and 32% with the traditional one-truck-per-route setup, by aligning routes, operations and charging points to ensure electric transport performs from day one.

Once Einride’s clients inform the start-up with details like cargo destinations, cargo types and their emissions goals, the venture prepares a custom transformation plan including vital insights and a roadmap for the clients’ future freight needs. The solution is all about making the electric switch cost-efficient and scalable, with Einride’s software analysing truck utilisation, driver performance, and shipment demands, ensuring the freight needs are planned with precision, following which the right vehicles get deployed, while integration with the companies’ existing operations seamlessly takes place.

How does Einride do it? By using its in-house algorithms, which process vast amounts of data, from transportation demand and driver information to vehicle and charging telematics, before generating operational roadmaps. The same intelligent tech also performs emission reporting (by bringing fleet, emissions, and energy insights into one place) to power better performance, compliance, and industrial subsidy access. The solution also crunches the charging data before suggesting the best charging infrastructure for the client’s venture and its fleet.

Talking about Einride’s charging network, it differentiates itself from its industry peers, by combining smart energy, smart usage, and smart locations under one platform. The software connects data from vehicles, routes, and energy systems to optimise charging solutions based on the clients’ needs for powering their heavy-duty commercial freight.

“Whether a stop is at an Einride Smartcharger, a private install, or a trusted partner, custom routes optimise national and international transport flows — including co-transport and third-party charging. All to keep operations running smoothly, energy included. Charging is a part of the Einride platform. The integrated software (Saga AI) gathers freight data to create a charging solution that understands your schedule and routes. Think of it as trucks and systems speaking with each other to get where they need to be in the best way possible,” the start-up commented.

Consolidating its position as Switzerland’s fastest-growing charging network, Einride is building the infrastructure’s next-generation version, with each station being strategically placed in high-capacity hubs along major transport corridors. Live with a major grid in Sweden, the network is well on its way to redefining Europe’s EV charging playbook.

And let’s conclude by talking about Saga AI, the intelligent operating system acting as Einride’s engine room, by being the connecting glue between autonomous trucks, electric vehicles, and charging stations. The solution is managing, operating and optimising road freight by continuously collecting data from shipments, vehicles, and charging.

Image Credits: Einride

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While the talks focused on improving worker skills, funding will be secured for purchasing 15 new locomotives, along with a study on maintaining existing locomotives to improve operational efficiency. Discussing the World Bank, the latter’s Syria Physical Damage and Reconstruction Assessment 2011–2024 report, released in October 2025, estimates Syria’s reconstruction costs at USD 216 billion following more than 13 years of conflict.

The civil war impacted almost one-third of the West Asian nation’s total assets, with direct damage to infrastructure, homes, and other buildings estimated at around USD 108 billion. According to the statement released by the participants after the meeting, the two sides also reviewed the phosphate transport corridor project and the importance of reassessing its economic feasibility to determine the necessary financial estimates, while clarifying the related figures to ensure its sustainability and effective development.

“Yarub Badr stressed the importance of continued cooperation with the World Bank in implementing infrastructure-related projects, noting that such cooperation contributes to accelerating Syria’s economic recovery,” the statement added, noting Carret’s affirmation about the World Bank’s willingness to back development initiatives in the war-ravaged country and stressing the importance of building a long-term, sustainable partnership.

While concluding the meeting, both parties agreed to convene a technical session in March to follow up on the key points discussed and fast-track cooperation between Syria and the World Bank in the relevant areas.

Yarub Badr also interacted with World Bank transport officials via video conference in February 2026, discussing the readiness of the railway network and the phosphate railway corridor project, including its economic and strategic significance.

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Apart from reflecting the scale of development in the Kingdom’s transport and logistics sectors, the project will see King Abdulaziz Port strengthen its position as a global logistics hub. The event also saw MSC name one of its international vessels after Saudi Arabia. The facility is known for its advanced infrastructure and integrated logistics facilities, which attract major international companies. It includes 43 fully equipped berths and has an annual handling capacity of up to 105 million tonnes of cargo and containers.

The event coincided with the 30th anniversary of the company’s operations in the Kingdom, marking a journey of achievements and strategic partnerships in maritime transport and logistics that have supported the national transport system.

The inauguration, attended by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority Saleh Al-Jasser, featured Al-Jasser reflecting on the sector’s significant progress, which reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.

Hailing the achievement, Al-Jasser said the integrated logistics centre represents a qualitative transformation in the transport and logistics sector, firmly placing Saudi ports among leading regional and international gateways.

The integrated logistics centre will provide advanced and smart logistics services, enhancing the port’s handling capacity while boosting regional and global competitiveness by supporting trade flows and strengthening the Kingdom’s logistics standing.

Al-Jasser added that MSC’s naming of a vessel after the Kingdom, along with the logistics centre’s launch, symbolises a long-standing strategic partnership, reflecting global investor confidence in the Saudi business environment, and demonstrating the Kingdom’s growing international presence in maritime logistics.

Suliman Al-Mazroua, president of the Saudi Ports Authority, said MSC’s vessel naming underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal role in global supply chains. He added that the logistics centre supports Mawani’s strategy to develop advanced infrastructure aligned with the “National Transport and Logistics Strategy” and “Saudi Vision 2030,” strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a logistics platform linking three continents.

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“The initial phase of the study project, to be carried out in collaboration with relevant entities, will focus on revitalising the district’s waterfront, with plans to deliver expansive green spaces that enhance public facilities and preserve the area’s unique identity,” stated the DMT.

Through this Mussafah redevelopment project, DMT aims to address future needs, enhance essential services, attract additional investment, and deliver an integrated work-and-living environment that supports both economic growth and social well-being. As part of the improvements, roadworks are being planned on major routes, including the Mussafah–Al Ain Road (E30) and “Street 8,” to enhance traffic flow for all users, apart from facilitating the transport of commercial goods.

“Complementing these plans, DMT has increased its inspection operations and awareness campaigns targeting residents and business owners in the area to ensure compliance with municipal regulations and curb irregular practices, while also addressing unsightly visual and environmental disturbances,” reported TradeArabia.

The Acting Director General of Infrastructure Development at DMT, Eng. Eisa Mubarak Almazrouei said, “Mussafah plays a pivotal role as a key centre for industry and trade in Abu Dhabi. This study, undertaken alongside our strategic partners, aims to explore the adoption of innovative solutions in infrastructure, transportation and smart urban design to enhance the district’s competitiveness so it becomes a global benchmark for economic zones.”

“The measures are designed to enhance public health, safety and urban cleanliness, as well as support ongoing efforts to address residential overoccupancy. DMT will share additional information regarding the project and its various stages in due course,” the official concluded.

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“Under the new design, metro routes will be tailored to the Iraqi capital’s geography and congestion levels,” Prime Minister’s Adviser for Investment Affairs Mohammed Al-Najjar told the media outlet.

“Ground-level tracks are estimated to cost USD 20–USD 30 million per kilometre, elevated lines USD 50–USD 70 million per kilometre, while underground tunnels – an option retained for densely congested centres—would cost around USD 200 million per kilometre,” Al-Najjar said.

“Earlier proposals relied heavily on underground construction, making them economically unviable,” he added.

In July 2025, Zawya Projects reported that the Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani government was reassessing the financial framework for the project after previous proposals had been rejected.

Al-Najjar said Baghdad’s population growth—from around 3 million to nearly 10 million residents—and its expansion toward areas such as Al-Mahmoudiya required a complete reassessment of metro routes and designs. The updated plan now positions Baghdad Metro as the core of a wider transport network, linked with bus and tram systems to enable smooth passenger movement from stations to final destinations without worsening surface congestion.

The metro will be a fully automated and driverless system. While this raises upfront procurement costs, Al-Najjar said the move, in the long run, would lower long-term operating and maintenance expenses by removing the need for human train operators.

“The Al-Sudani government also plans to procure the project under a public–private partnership (PPP) framework, supported by a 30-year concession agreement to ease pressure on public finances,” Al-Najjar said, adding that the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have expressed serious interest in participating as project partners.

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The MoU signing, held in Kuwait City, was witnessed by Dr. Noura Al Mashaan, Minister of Public Works of the State of Kuwait, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.

The MoU was signed by Sheikh Khaled Salem Al Sabah, Director-General of the Kuwait Ports Authority, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.

AD Ports Group will prepare the technical, environmental, and financial feasibility studies, in accordance with internationally recognised specifications and standards agreed by both parties, apart from identifying the project’s infrastructure requirements. Supporting this collaboration, the Kuwait Ports Authority, on its part, will designate the project site at Shuaiba Port, and collaborate with AD Ports Group in completing the required studies, as well as facilitate the obtention of all necessary licences and approvals from relevant authorities.

Sheikh Khaled Salem Al Sabah, Director-General of the Kuwait Ports Authority, said, “This agreement reflects the Kuwait Ports Authority’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with AD Ports Group in the maritime transport and ports sector, and to promoting joint investment and economic collaboration based on mutual interests and shared benefits. We are pleased to work with AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of trade, industry and logistics, on the development of Shuaiba Port, as well as the operation of the container terminal and its quays. We are confident that this collaboration will enhance the port’s capabilities and strengthen its role in supporting maritime trade and transport in the State of Kuwait.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, noted, “Our cooperation with the Kuwait Ports Authority, represents an extension of the strong partnership between AD Ports Group and leading institutions in the State of Kuwait. This collaboration aligns with the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE, aimed towards sharing our expertise and best practices with our partners across the GCC. As a leading provider of integrated trade and logistics solutions and a global developer of ports, terminals and related infrastructure, AD Ports Group would leverage its extensive experience to ensure the success of this project.”

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Al-Saleh revealed that the ministry had carried out comprehensive maintenance contracts comprising 9.5 million square metres of asphalt on internal roads within all governorates and 5.5 million square metres on highways, under 12 internal road maintenance contracts and six highway contracts.

The official further explained that the ministry is acting on a “clear and well-thought-out plan” that is being carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Interior to ensure traffic flow during implementation of these projects, and that “the voice of the citizen is heard,” emphasising the ministry’s responsiveness to the public and solving problems.

“Al-Saleh also reviewed developments on the Gulf Railway project, connecting Kuwait with GCC countries, which includes a high-speed rail link to Riyadh. The project will cover 111 kilometres from the Nuwaiseeb border crossing to the Shaddadiyah area, where a two-million-square-metre main station has been reserved, and the final design is expected from the consultant in January, with implementation expected to be completed between December 2028 and 2030,” reported the Arab Times.

As per Al-Saleh, the contract for the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port is expected to be signed in December 2025 as part of a memorandum of understanding with China, while significant progress has been made on the new Kuwait International Airport project, with state-of-the art passenger terminal, parking facilities, road network, and service structures are all set to make the airport a regional transport landmark.

The official also mentioned recent milestones, including the opening of the Darwazat Al-Abdulrazzaq intersection and the Avenues Bridge, as well as the near-completion of major phases of the Damascus Street development, South Surra roads, and the Sabah Al-Nasser Bridge, all of which will alleviate traffic congestion.

Discussing wastewater infrastructure, Al-Saleh talked at great length about the Umm Al-Hayman wastewater treatment plant, which was carried out as a public-private partnership, and currently produces 500,000 cubic metres of advanced treated water for agricultural and landscaping use in central and southern regions. The development of the Kabd North wastewater treatment plant is also underway to support the northern wastewater system and expand the treated water used for afforestation.

The official highlighted Kuwait’s efforts to maintain high standards, such as modernising the road laboratories, enhancing the government testing and quality-control centre, and using new technologies for inspecting roadworks, to ensure that they comply with specifications.

He also highlighted governance achievements, such as the adoption of the Corporate Governance Guide, participation in the “Performance” project with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha), and the development of a Code of Conduct to promote integrity and accountability.

Talking about the progress in Kuwait’s digital transformation efforts, Al-Saleh mentioned the launch of new e-services via the “Sahel” application, along with the implementation of a unified GIS system to monitor road and maintenance projects with very high accuracy.

“Maintenance contracts have become 100% Kuwaitized, providing job security for Kuwaiti engineers and technicians and expanding training programmes for operating wastewater facilities,” he concluded.

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The planned 785-kilometre high-speed railway line will connect the capital cities of Riyadh and Doha, with Hofuf and Dammam serving as the key stoppages. As per the report of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the project will also link King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia with Hamad International Airport in Qatar. The project, under which high-speed trains will operate at speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour, reducing travel time between the two capitals to around two hours, will see its construction process completed within the next six years.

Apart from improving the region’s transportation game, the railway project will also generate an economic impact of nearly 115 billion Saudi riyals (USD 30.7 billion) on the combined GDP of both countries, serving more than 10 million passengers annually and, most importantly, creating over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Saudi Arabia already has the experience of operating a high-speed railway system, with the existing 450-km long Haramain high-speed electric railway connecting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, with stops in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The Kingdom has also started the tendering process for the Qiddiya high-speed railway, connecting King Salman International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and Qiddiya City in Riyadh. The trains will have a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour, connecting the destinations within 30 minutes.

“In the rest of the region, Egypt is currently building the first phase of a 2,000-km high-speed railway network while Morocco has embarked on the construction of the second phase of its HSR system, linking Marrakech and Kenitra. In the UAE, the tendering process is underway on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai HSR link. Iraq’s Development Road mega project is expected to include an HSR system,” SPA noted.

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