Baghdad: Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced today, Wednesday, the commencement of implementation works on Al-Kurayat Bridge project over the Tigris River, as part of the reconstruction campaign for the holy city of Kadhimiya. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing the “More Beautiful Baghdad” initiative and the comprehensive rehabilitation plans led by ministries and Baghdad Municipality.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, speaking at the launch event, Al-Sudani stated that Al-Kurayat Bridge represents the first development project in the ‘Fifth Sector’ area, aiming to open up a military zone that has remained closed for decades. The area will be repurposed to host public service facilities, cultural and religious centers, and multiple rest areas for pilgrims.
The Prime Minister further revealed that 400 dunams of land in the ‘Fifth Sector’ will be offered as investment opportunities to all companies. He clarified that the development will include no residential projects and highlighted the site’s strategic location near the shrine of the two Imams in Kadhimiya. A 12,500-square-meter museum will also be built to document the atrocities of the former dictatorship, serving as a reminder of past horrors and a safeguard against their recurrence.
Al-Sudani pointed out that Baghdad’s population has surpassed 9.5 million, yet the capital has not witnessed rehabilitation efforts proportionate to its size and challenges. He noted that Kadhimiya, in particular, had long been neglected but is now undergoing a qualitative transformation that respects its religious identity and the high volume of pilgrims, while improving mobility during religious events.
He described Al-Kurayat Bridge as a vital infrastructure project that falls within the second phase of the traffic decongestion initiative. The bridge will connect with key routes such as Mohammed Al-Qasim Expressway and the Army Canal, in addition to new service facilities and approach roads.
The Prime Minister also outlined the broader Kadhimiya reconstruction campaign, which includes the rehabilitation and expansion of 15 main roads across five neighborhoods, construction of 38 new schools, restoration of four heritage schools, repaving and surfacing of 12 residential neighborhoods, development of parking structures, construction of overpasses, and creation of family recreational areas. The campaign will also establish six new entry points to the city, rehabilitate the sewage and water systems, support agricultural zones, and develop Fattah Pasha Boulevard and other vital projects.
Al-Sudani praised the collaborative efforts behind the progress made, acknowledging the contributions of various ministries, Baghdad Municipality, the Investment Authority, and the holy shrines. He stressed the government’s commitment to high-quality standards, detailed planning, and fast-track execution in all phases of the work.