Baghdad: The Iraqi Republic Railways Company is operating trains to the holy city of Karbala to serve pilgrims during the Arba’een commemoration of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), via four routes: Baghdad-Karbala, Basra-Karbala, Suq al-Shuyukh-Nasiriyah-Karbala, and Diwaniyah-Karbala.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the company’s Director General, Dr. Makki Jaber Nasser, stated in a press release: “Based on the directives of the Minister of Transport, Wahab al-Hassani, to mobilize the company’s efforts within the Arba’een pilgrimage operational plan, 14 trains will be deployed starting July 26, 2026.”

He added that trains departing on July 26 will be on the Baghdad-Karbala route, on July 31 on the Basra-Karbala route, on August 2 on the Suq al-Shuyukh-Nasiriyah-Karbala route, and on August 3 on the Diwaniyah-Karbala route.

He added that this year will see the operation of the Baghdad-Karbala double-track line, allowing for simultaneous train traffic in both directions without the need to stop to allow oncoming trains to pass. This will positively impact the smooth flow of operations, adherence to schedules, and the increase in the number of trips to serve pilgrims.