Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has directed the completion of procedures for the first phase of the Development Road project, with implementation expected soon.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister al-Sudani chaired a meeting of the Special Committee for the Rehabilitation of the Al-Faw-Fishkhabur Railway, marking a significant step in the Strategic Development Road project. The meeting saw the participation of the Minister of Planning, several advisors to the Prime Minister, and representatives from relevant ministries.

The discussion focused on the progress of implementation based on decisions from previous meetings and the necessary steps for the project’s completion. Al-Sudani highlighted the project’s importance for Iraq and the region, noting its emerging status as a vital global corridor. He mentioned the interest shown by countries outside the region, which has increased the project’s value and economic potential.

The meeting delved into detailed discussions on route maps, including the Iraqi railway route, to facilitate smooth and flexible movement. It also covered the financing mechanism for the first railway section in the upcoming budget and identified critical connection points for the development road. The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Transport to finalize all technical and administrative steps to rehabilitate the railway and initiate the project’s first phase soon.

The participants acknowledged the World Bank governors’ support for financing the project’s first phase and modernizing the railways.