Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed that the government is moving forward with expanding a modern road network that meets the needs of population growth and urban expansion, noting that these projects are part of the federal and local governments' approach to improving infrastructure and transportation services.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani on Saturday launched, via videoconference, the implementation works for two new projects in the governorates of Karbala and Najaf. The first project includes constructing a road linking Karbala to the expressway, with a length of 34 km, in addition to building 14 bridges, including one over the Euphrates River, at a total cost of 321 billion dinars.
The second project involves rehabilitating and expanding the expressway within the (Al-Kifl - Al-Qassim) axis in Najaf Governorate, as well as establishing a second carriageway extending 30 km, accompanied by five overpasses for each direction and two grade-separated intersections, with a total cost of 88 billion dinars.
Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of these projects, which were launched as part of the 'million-visitor' projects package, as they connect vital routes between the governorates of Karbala, Babylon, and Najaf, helping to ease traffic congestion-especially during religious occasions-while directly serving citizens who have suffered for decades from chronic traffic bottlenecks.
He noted that these projects fulfill the promises made to the people of Babylon during his recent visit to the governorate, stressing continued coordination with the local government to develop the road network, particularly those connecting Babylon with Karbala and Najaf.
The Prime Minister added that the government is working according to scientific and well-studied plans to establish modern transportation networks that support economic development, pointing out that infrastructure projects are a key factor in attracting investment and boosting economic activity in the region.
He affirmed that the projects will be implemented according to approved technical specifications, directing the Ministry of Construction and Housing and the concerned governorates to overcome any obstacles that may hinder progress, in order to ensure completion within the specified timelines-helping reduce accidents, shorten travel time, and support industrial and agricultural activity.
In conclusion, Al-Sudani stated that the government continues to implement its programs and projects, whether in infrastructure or in services related to 'million-visitor' events, directing relevant authorities to provide full support to the executing companies to ensure both projects are completed in line with required standards.