Iraq and Iran are strengthening their infrastructure cooperation with a focus on the Iraq-Iran rail link. Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, recently arrived in Baghdad to lead talks on key transportation projects. The most important project on the agenda is the Shalamcheh-Basra railway.
During the visit, Sadegh was welcomed by Iraq’s Deputy Transport Minister Hazem Radi and Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadegh. She plans to hold several meetings with Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibis al-Saadawi, and Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari.
This railway project will cover 32 kilometers and aims to connect major religious cities in both countries. The railway will serve over three million pilgrims each year. It will drive religious tourism and boost regional trade with its $150 million budget.
However, several obstacles stand in the way of this progress. Engineers must clear 16 kilometers of land filled with old mines. Additionally, the project requires the construction of an 880-meter movable bridge over the Arvand River, also known as the Shatt al-Arab. Upgrades to the Shalamcheh border crossing are also essential for the rail line to function smoothly.
The Iraq-Iran rail link is more than just a railway. It symbolizes the deepening ties between the two nations. It also supports the logistics for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, which brings millions of visitors to Iraq. The upcoming religious event puts added pressure on both governments to streamline border controls and enhance facilities.
By finishing this project, both countries hope to ease the journey for Iranian pilgrims visiting holy sites in Iraq. At the same time, the railway will open up new routes for trade and transport between the two neighbors.
This marks another step forward for Iraq’s infrastructure plans, especially in the southern region. The Iraq-Iran rail link stands as a vital component in future cross-border development. It supports long-term cooperation while addressing the urgent needs of religious visitors.