The Prime Minister of Iraq has officially commenced the commencement of building activities for the inaugural railway line that will establish a vital connection between Iraq and its neighboring country, Iran. This railway line holds significant importance as it not only serves as a means of transportation but also strengthens the political and economic ties between the two nations.
According to a transport ministry official, the proposed initiative known as the “Basra-Chalamja connection project” aims to establish a linkage between the prominent port city of Basra in southern Iraq and Iran’s extensive railway network via the Chalamja border crossing. This idea has been reported to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The projected duration of the project is predicted to fall within the range of 18 to 24 months.
In his speech, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed the objective of facilitating the transportation of those hailing from the Islamic Republic of Iran and Central Asian nations to the revered Shiite holy towns.
The author observed that the project had undergone extensive deliberation over the course of several years prior to the attainment of a consensus in the year 2021.
On September 2nd, Sudani participated in a ceremonial event where a symbolic foundation stone was set, in the presence of Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice-president.
Sudani expressed gratitude to Tehran for the proposed demining initiatives along the border, aimed at facilitating the establishment of a train line and constructing a railway bridge over the Shatt al-Arab waterway. This waterway serves as the confluence point for the Tigris and Euphrates rivers before they flow into the Gulf.
According to Iranian official media, Mokhber expressed his appreciation for the project’s strategic significance and stated that it is expected to be finalized within a timeframe of two years.
According to the official IRNA news agency, around 50% of the proposed 32-kilometer rail route will be located within the borders of Iran.
A region that has been heavily impacted by armed conflict and possesses significant reserves of petroleum resources. Iraq is afflicted with deteriorating infrastructure, characterized by antiquated highways and railways.
The government of Sudan has been actively engaged in establishing an increasing number of regional alliances.
In the month of May, the city of Baghdad introduced a significant initiative called the “Route of Development,” which encompasses a substantial investment of $17 billion. This project aims to establish a comprehensive transportation network consisting of a 1,200-kilometer road and railway system, spanning from Iraq’s northern border with Türkiye to the southern Gulf region.