According to a report by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Iraqi Ministry of Transport has recently disclosed its intention to get high-speed trains capable of achieving speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. This initiative aims to enhance the appeal of travel options available to potential passengers.
The commencement of rail operations is anticipated to occur in 2028, coinciding with the inauguration of the Al-Faw Grand Port and the Development Road.
Younis Al-Kaabi, the Director of the Railways Department under the Ministry of Transport, has disclosed that the fare for a train journey from Baghdad to Basra will amount to 10,000 dinars, which is approximately equivalent to $7.63. This pricing is notably economical in comparison to alternative modes of transportation.
Al-Kaabi provided further details, stating that a significant majority of the tickets, specifically 80 percent, have been sold. Additionally, he highlighted that the frequency of train travel has been augmented to four daily trips during holidays.
The Iraqi official emphasized the intention to establish collaboration with the private sector in order to enhance the quality of services offered to train passengers. It was highlighted that this measure is expected to generate a higher demand for train travel and subsequently decrease the travel time between Baghdad and Basra to six hours for direct trips.
Al-Kaabi has officially announced that the railway connecting Baghdad and Fallujah is scheduled to resume operations in the near future, following a suspension of over two years caused by the outbreak of the Corona pandemic.
The railway official provided an explanation of the ongoing efforts to reconstruct the bridges that have been destroyed. This collaborative endeavor involves the World Bank, relevant agencies, and the Ministry of Transport.
The Iraqi official stated that there are plans to reopen the railway connecting Baiji and Al-Qaim in the near future. This railway will facilitate the transportation of oil derivatives between the Baiji and Haditha refineries. Additionally, the Development Road project will be essential in providing the required infrastructure to support these train operations.