Iraq Eyes Regional Hub Role With $17B Rail Project

Dubai (PlantAndEquipment.com) - Iraq has unveiled plans to transform regional connectivity through its $17 billion Development Road project, which includes a high-speed rail line scheduled to start service in 2031. The first phase will link Basra with Baghdad before extending toward Turkey and Europe, with capacity to carry nearly 14 million passengers each year.

The 1,200 kilometre railway will run alongside a motorway crossing 11 provinces, supported by efforts to revive older lines and build new connections, including a route between Karbala and Najaf. Existing tracks to the Middle Euphrates and southern provinces remain in use.