One of the important factors for the development of Haifa at the beginning of the 20th century, was the laying of the rails for the railway line from Haifa to Damascus (known by the name of The "Hidgazic Railway" line). Laurence Oliphant, in 1880, already spoke about the idea of building this line.
The line intended to enable an exit from the Damscus - Mecca & Medina railway line to the Mediterranean Sea & thus give the chance for many Moslems to get to Mecca from the West.
Within two years (1903 -1905) the line of about 160 km was finished. Part of it, from Haifa to Tsemach, is known by the name of "The Emek Railway".
This project was, indeed, a most prestige one of the Ottoman Empire before it's fall.
As decided,the seat of the railways management was in Haifa, where the eastern station is still located today. The inauguration of the line took place in 1905 & was considered an historic event.
Together with the then existing small port, the opening of this line & station gave the city's development a big push.

January,2007