Levantrain is an early-stage idea started in June 2024. Should it catch on, there will be plenty of (very fun) work to be done. All timelines are preliminary and may be adjusted based on how things are going.
Key milestones
Initial research
Just looking up a few things...
Set up website
Basic landing page explaining the concept and presenting some of the initial background, findings, resources, etc.
Set up online community
Going with Google Groups as a simple forum to allow for two-way communication and discussion.
Set up GitHub
We love open source! Check us out on GitHub.
Build map (v0.1)
Using OpenStreetMap, identify the historic routes, any current infrastructure, and potential future additions. View the map.
Set up lab area
Ability to manage and display our core data assets (railway stations, railway routes, resources).
Build map (v0.2)
Using Claude research features and OpenStreetMap, identify more of the historic routes. View the map.
Create economic impact model (v1)
Taking a first stab at estimating both the cost and the economic impact of a modern high-speed rail network spanning the Middle East.
Get a logo
Something that looks nice and fits on a t-shirt.
Recruit initial 100 supporters and collaborators
Ideally, we will have each of the various countries represented.
Explore 2026 fundraising
Maybe solicit a few donations to hire a couple of summer interns...
Timeline notes
• All dates are estimates and subject to revision based on research findings and community input
• Progress updates are shared through the build log and our community channels
• This is a research initiative — no construction or funding commitments are implied