The Iraqi government has recently presented two futuristic projects as part of its programme to modernise infrastructure and develop the transport network. These are the Baghdad subway line and the high-speed railway line that will connect the two cities of Najaf and Karbala. The two projects are intended to be a strong push for the modernisation of transport systems, ensuring ease, speed, accessibility and sustainability in transport, thus reducing not only costs but also environmental pollution. The Baghdad subway project envisages seven lines totalling 148 kilometres and a transport capacity of approximately 1 million passengers per day. It would be laid on an electrified double track and served by four depots for cleaning and maintenance of cars and 10,000 parking spaces for the main stations. This project would make Baghdad, which now has around 8 million residents, a true international metropolis, and also reduce urban traffic through the passage of the subway cars on elevated viaducts. The Najaf – Karbala line would also be double-tracked with trains reaching speeds of up to 240 km/h and covering a distance of around 90 km in 20 minutes.
The announcement of the two investment opportunities is available on the portal of the National Investment Commission.