In a momentous move to revitalize its economy following years of conflict and turmoil, Iraq has launched a $17 billion project aimed at linking a major commodities port on its southern coast to the Turkish border through an extensive network of roads and railways.
Known as the Development Road, this ambitious initiative aims to connect Iraq’s oil-rich southern region, home to the Grand Faw Port, with Turkey, ultimately transforming the country into a crucial transit hub. By significantly reducing travel time between Asia and Europe, Iraq seeks to establish itself as a formidable competitor to the Suez Canal.
The envisioned Development Road project involves the integration of high-speed trains capable of transporting goods and passengers at speeds of up to 300 kilometers (186.41 miles) per hour. Furthermore, it will establish connections to local industrial centers and may include the incorporation of oil and gas pipelines, adding an energy component to the venture. This significant upgrade would mark a departure from Iraq’s current outdated transportation infrastructure.
At present, Iraq’s railway system operates only a limited number of lines, including slow-moving oil freight and a single overnight passenger train journey from Baghdad to Basra, which takes between 10 to 12 hours to cover a distance of 500 kilometers.
The Grand Faw Port, initially proposed more than a decade ago, is now halfway towards completion, according to Fartousi. The revival of passenger transport between Iraq and Europe harks back to ambitious plans from the early 20th century to establish a Baghdad to Berlin express route.
The announcement of this landmark project took place during a conference focused on attracting interest and investment from Arab Gulf states, Syria, Jordan, and other Arab nations. A senior government official expressed the readiness to welcome regional investment opportunities.
Iraq has long promised development, but its infrastructure has remained in a state of disrepair, despite efforts by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government to rebuild roads and bridges. However, officials assert that the Development Road project is distinct in its foundation, as it builds upon a period of relative stability experienced since late last year, which they hope will persist.
According to Fartousi, if the project gets going early next year as planned, it is expected to reach completion in 2029.
