Basra: Basra Governor, Engineer Asaad Abdul Amir Al-Eidani, has announced a transformative plan for the Shalamcheh border crossing, aiming to make it Iraq’s premier entry point by the next year. This statement was made during his visit to the border crossing, where he was accompanied by the Minister of Interior to oversee the movement of pilgrims to the holy shrines.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Eidani emphasized that the rehabilitation of the Shalamcheh border crossing will adhere to the latest specifications. This effort is part of a broader collaboration between various service departments and security agencies to ensure the smooth transit of pilgrims. The governor highlighted that the road leading to and from Shalamcheh has been completed to ease the movement of vehicles transporting pilgrims. This development is supported by a coordinated effort with the southern and central governorates to secure the roads.

Regarding the reconstruction project, Al-Eidani detailed that the Shalamcheh border crossing covers an area of 560 dunams. The old buildings are slated for demolition following the Arbaeen pilgrimage, paving the way for new construction. He assured that plans are in place to erect modern facilities that reflect the crossing’s significance. The governor projected that the project will conclude before the subsequent Arbaeen pilgrimage, positioning Shalamcheh as the leading border crossing in Iraq.