Baghdad Metro Project: A major step towards solving Baghdad’s traffic woes

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – In July 2023, the Iraqi government announced the companies selected to spearhead the long-awaited Baghdad Metro Rail Project. Initially conceived in the 1980s, the project has faced numerous delays due to wars and various internal and external challenges. Now, with a completion target set for 2028, the Baghdad Metro Project is poised to resolve the city’s notorious transportation issues once and for all.

Details and companies involved

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister’s office released a comprehensive plan detailing every aspect of the project, from onboard services to the system’s overall capacity. After a rigorous application process, the Iraqi government selected six international firms to undertake this monumental task. The $18 billion project has been assigned to a consortium of companies renowned for their expertise in construction and transportation infrastructure. The firms include French companies SYSTRA and SNCF, Spanish firms Alstom, Talgo, and Sener, along with Turkish construction firms, and Germany’s Deutsche Bank.

The Baghdad Metro Project will encompass seven lines, with the potential for future expansion. Covering a total distance of 148 kilometers and featuring 64 stations across Baghdad, the metro aims to provide fast, safe, and affordable transportation. With an anticipated ridership capacity of 3.25 million passengers per day, the metro will significantly alleviate the capital’s traffic congestion.

The metro trains will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including CCTV for security, internet connectivity, USB ports, and special compartments for children, women, the elderly, and people with special needs. Furthermore, the trains will be powered by clean electrical energy, operating at speeds between 80 and 140 km/h, making the Baghdad Metro not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.

Addressing Baghdad’s traffic crisis

A survey conducted in late 2023 revealed that Baghdad’s roads are overwhelmed by over 4 million cars, despite being designed to accommodate just 400,000 vehicles. This excessive volume of traffic results in prolonged gridlock, particularly in bustling areas like Al Mansour, Al Yarmouk, and Al Karradah. The Baghdad Metro Project is expected to dramatically reduce these traffic jams, offering a reliable alternative to the current car-dependent transport system.

The Iraqi public eagerly awaits the completion of the Baghdad Metro, viewing it as a significant step toward modernizing the country’s infrastructure. Beyond easing daily commutes, the metro is seen as a symbol of Iraq’s broader development ambitions. Many hope that this project will pave the way for similar initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s infrastructure across various sectors.

The Baghdad Metro Project represents a critical turning point in the city’s efforts to modernize its transportation network and improve the quality of life for its residents. With its completion on the horizon, the metro promises to be a game-changer, addressing the city’s pressing traffic issues and setting the stage for further infrastructural advancements in Iraq.

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