Iraq advances major rail rehabilitation & Development Road project
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq's Ministry of Transport is making significant strides in rehabilitating its national railway network and advancing the strategic Development Road project, spokesperson Maytham Al-Safi announced. These efforts mark a new phase for Iraq's transport sector.
Al-Safi highlighted the completion and reopening of 12 key railway lines, some after decades of disuse, including the Qayyarah refinery line in Mosul and the Baghdad-Fallujah passenger line. New projects are also underway, such as the Basra-Shalamcheh rail link with Spanish firm Imathia Construcción, vital for passenger transport. Additionally, 15 locomotives were rehabilitated in 2024.
Regarding the ambitious Development Road, Al-Safi confirmed consultancy contracts have been signed with firms like BTP Engineering Consultants and Oliver Wyman for financial advisory. The project's route through 10 governorates has been approved, and cadastral maps for southern sections delivered.
Full project details for the Development Road are expected by the end of 2025, preparing it for presentation to major international companies. These initiatives aim to modernize Iraq's transport infrastructure and boost regional connectivity.
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