Baghdad (Agencies): Iraq’s Ministry of Transport announced plans to transfer the construction of the Basra–Shalamcheh railway project to Spanish company Imathia Construcción in the coming month. The 32-kilometer rail link is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between Iraq and Iran, facilitating travel for passengers and religious pilgrims.
The railway is expected to serve as a vital transportation corridor, particularly during religious occasions when millions of travelers move between Basra governorate and the Shalamcheh border crossing. Iraq’s state-run railway company is finalizing legal and logistical preparations, including land acquisition and clearing construction obstacles, before officially handing over the project.
A key component of the railway is a bridge over the Shatt Al-Arab waterway. Progress on the bridge includes the completion of 67 out of 183 support pillars, alongside ongoing concrete reinforcement, excavation, and debris clearance. Recovery teams are also working to remove sunken materials near the foundation site.
Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi emphasized the project’s importance for religious tourism and cross-border transit, urging officials to expedite progress. The ministry highlighted the railway as a safer and faster alternative to road travel, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Mine removal remains one of the final challenges to completing the project, but the government has reiterated its commitment to overcoming obstacles and ensuring the railway’s success. The Basra–Shalamcheh railway is poised to strengthen ties between Iraq and Iran while providing a critical infrastructure upgrade for the region.