Iraq plans to initiate the first phase of the long-anticipated Baghdad Metro project before the end of 2025, according to government officials. The development will be carried out in several phases over the coming years.
In late 2024, advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Naser Al-Asadi, confirmed that the metro route design had been finalized. Work is now progressing on defining technical specifications for tracks, stations, and trains. The system will feature a combination of underground, surface, and elevated sections.
The network is expected to include seven lines ranging from 9 to 37 kilometers in length, covering much of Baghdad. Future extensions to additional regions have not been ruled out. In total, the project will span approximately 148 kilometers and comprise 64 stations.
A consortium of international companies has been selected for the design, construction, and operation of the metro. These include French firms Systra and SNCV, Spain’s Alstom, Talgo, and Sener, Turkish construction companies, and Germany’s Deutsche Bank.
The project is valued at an estimated $18 billion and is projected to take four years to complete once construction begins.
Traffic congestion remains a serious issue in Baghdad, where many residents rely on taxis and buses for transportation. The metro is expected to significantly improve urban mobility for the city’s population of around eight million.
First proposed in the 1980s, the Baghdad Metro project was delayed for decades due to conflict and economic sanctions. Its revival marks Iraq’s first major investment in a modern rail transit system.
In July 2024, the Baghdad Mayoralty also signed a $315.9 million contract with Malaysia’s HSS Engineering Berhad to provide consultancy services. The firm will oversee project management and monitor progress throughout the implementation phase.
Source: Iraqi News – Iraq plans to begin Baghdad Metro project in 2025