Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq will increase rail services and operate 14 trains to transport travelers during the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, expanding capacity on key routes to the holy city of Karbala, according to the Ministry of Transport. The Ministry said that the increased services would begin on July 26 as part of preparations for one of the world’s greatest annual religious gatherings, when millions of Shia Muslims go to Karbala to mark the 40th day following Imam Hussein’s death. The concept calls for a double-track railway between Baghdad and Karbala to be operational during the pilgrimage season, enabling trains to travel in both directions without stopping for opposing traffic, boosting punctuality and increasing the number of daily passengers.
Rail services would link Karbala to Baghdad, Basra, Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah, and Souq Al-Shuyoukh, with extra trains deployed under the ministry’s operating plan to meet increased passenger demand. According to the stated schedule, Iraq Railways will run seven daily services in each direction between Baghdad and Karbala, as well as three daily services between Basra and Karbala. During the pilgrimage period, regular passenger services between Baghdad and Basra will run as usual.
The Ministry stated that the expanded schedule is intended to improve operational efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and provide safer and more reliable transportation for pilgrims traveling to and from the holy city. The Arbaeen pilgrimage is one of Iraq’s greatest annual transportation operations, requiring substantial coordination across rail, road, and aviation networks as officials oversee the flow of millions of local and foreign tourists. The post Iraq deploys 14 trains to expand passenger rail services appeared first on Iraqi News.
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