Karbala: Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed on Thursday that the city of Karbala requires further strategic planning, in line with its growing importance and continuous expansion.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani officially launched the executive works for the first phase of the “Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) Ring Road” project, which stretches 9.2 kilometers. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion within the holy city.

Al-Sudani emphasized that the project represents a key solution to the city’s chronic traffic issues, particularly during religious occasions and mass pilgrimages. He noted that it will facilitate smoother movement and easier access for visitors, stressing that Karbala’s increasing religious and social significance necessitates ongoing infrastructure development and thoughtful planning.

The statement added that the cost of the project exceeds 400 billion Iraqi dinars. It is one of three ring roads included in the city’s master plan, with a total planned length of 27 kilometers. The project was designed with high precision and will be implemented in six sections. The road will have a width of approximately 60 meters and include 13 intersections as well as three main overpasses: Al-Jaber, Baghdad, and Al-Rushdiyya.