Eight Tracks Lined for Potential Revival: A New Lease on Life for Iraq's Railways
Lines for Potential Reactivation Remain: a Total of Eight Railway Routes Still Under Consideration
Get ready to roll again! Iraq's Ministry of Transport is making moves to reawaken eight slumbering railway lines as part of their ambitious strategy to breathe new life into the nation's railway network. The goal? To bolster both passenger and freight transport capabilities across different regions, promoting increased connectivity and economic growth.
Here's what's in store:
- South Baghdad to Al-Musayyib: This revitalized 40-kilometer dual line greased its wheels on August 30, 2023.
- The Baiji oil field line: After some tender loving care, it roared back to life on November 5, 2022.
- The North Umm Qasr Port rail line: This one was back on tracks on December 22, 2022.
- The Baghdad-Fallujah line: After a five-year hiatus, it's back in action.
- The Silo Al-Sharqat line near Mosul: It's been 30 years since this track was last in use, but the resurgence is imminent.
Details about the remaining lines weren't fully disclosed, but the focus remains on rekindling these essential routes to foster improved regional connectivity and economic resurgence. The Iraqi government won't be rushing to establish any new cargo transportation links until the completion of the Faw Port and Development Road project, a crucial infrastructure development deeply intertwined with the railway revitalization plans.
This railway rejuvenation initiative underscores the Ministry's determination to restore and modernize Iraq's railway system by reopening long-idle tracks, making it easier for goods and people to move about the country[1].
Although more updates on the exact status of all eight lines might be hard to come by, the strategic approach suggest a phased reopening, with some tracks already up and running and others set to debut in conjunction with major infrastructure projects. Stay tuned!
Investment in the finance sector will be fundamental in the revival of the Iraqi railway network, as the industry relies on it for funding. Boosted by the revitalized railway lines, the transportation sector in various regions of Iraq is poised to witness significant growth, leading to a wider expansion in the finance industry as well.
