ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraq's Ministry of Transport says that progress is being made on the Shalamcheh–Basra railway project, which will link Iraq with Iran.

Ministry spokesperson Maytham al-Safi told The New Region that both countries are working closely to speed up the project. “Work is ongoing to remove roadblocks, clear landmines, and solve other problems delaying construction,” he said.

The railway, which will be more than 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) long, has been awarded to a global Spanish company that specializes in railway systems, Safi said. Construction is expected to begin soon.

He added that there is ongoing coordination between Baghdad and Tehran.

Safi said the project will have major economic benefits for Iraq, especially in tourism and religious travel. “More than 5 million people could be transported during large religious events like Arbaeen,” he said.

The project, considered one of the most important rail initiatives for both countries, aims to enhance regional transport infrastructure after two decades of delays. Iranian officials emphasized the strategic significance of the project and committed to completing the new Shalamcheh station by spring.

In September 2023, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani laid the foundation stone for the first railway line linking Iraq to Iran's railway network. Sudani previously stated that the project had been under discussion for years before an agreement was finally reached in 2021.

Plans also include upgrading the rail line between Khorramshahr and Shalamcheh to improve service ahead of the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a journey undertaken by Shia Muslims to Karbala in central Iraq, where they mourn the death of Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and considered by Shia to be the third Imam. Iran, with its majority Shia population, sees millions of its citizens make the religious journey every year, highlighting the salience of quality transport links between the neighboring countries.