By John Lee.
The General Company for Iraqi Railways held a conference on Tuesday evening focused on the expansion and modernisation of Iraq's railway network. The event was attended by the company's Director-General, Dr. Maki Jabir Nasser, representatives from Italian consultancy firm BTP, and international specialised companies participating virtually.
During the conference, Dr. Nasser, alongside a team from the World Bank, presented the technical, supply, and environmental-social aspects of the planned network expansion. He explained that Iraq's railway system is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at rehabilitation and expansion to meet modern demands and improve connectivity. Currently, the network includes approximately 2,272 kilometres of standard-gauge (1,435 mm) track and 115 stations.
Nasser highlighted the railway's current services, including the transport of oil, grains, and passenger trains, and confirmed the government's intention to upgrade the infrastructure to establish a more efficient north-south transport corridor. Priority will be given to modernising the line from the Port of Umm Qasr through Baghdad to Mosul.
He added that the World Bank plans to support the project, which involves upgrading the single-track line from Umm Qasr to Mosul and enhancing signalling and communication systems using the European Train Control System (ETCS). The project also aims to improve railway infrastructure and the maintenance capacity of rolling stock.
The workshop was directed at potential suppliers of signalling systems, civil engineering contractors, and consultants, with the goal of introducing the project's scope, future tender opportunities, and procurement strategy, while also gathering market feedback and addressing concerns before the tendering process.
The conference concluded with a Q&A session, and the General Company for Iraqi Railways provided a dedicated email address for companies wishing to submit additional questions.
(Source: Ministry of Transport)
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