In a significant stride towards enhancing Iraq’s infrastructure, the Italian company BTP Infrastructure has been awarded a consultancy contract for the ambitious $17 billion Development Road project. This mega initiative, one of the Middle East’s most extensive multimodal projects, aims to establish a vital rail and motorway network that could transform regional connectivity.
The General Company for Iraqi Railways (GCIR) signed the agreement with BTP Infrastructure to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and design for the initial phase of the rail segment of the project. This includes a parallel motorway, underscoring the project’s importance in facilitating trade and transportation across the region.
The Development Road is set to feature a 1,200-kilometer railway line extending from the strategically significant Faw Port in southern Iraq to the northern border with Turkey. This rail line represents a critical component in Iraq’s efforts to bolster its transportation infrastructure, offering a vital link for goods flowing between the Middle East and Europe.
BTP Infrastructure, which emerged from the reorganization of PEG Infrastructure, brings extensive experience in infrastructure projects, positioning them as an ideal partner for this monumental task.
The Iraqi Transport Ministry has earmarked funding for part of the project from the 2024 budget, highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing this initiative. The ministry’s 2023 study underscores the project’s estimated cost and strategic importance.
The project has attracted interest from regional powerhouses, including the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey, who have already agreed to participate, indicating a strong regional backing. Notably, Turkey is spearheading efforts to form a four-nation council aimed at extending the Development Road into Europe, potentially amplifying its impact on regional trade routes.
Dr. Hassan Al-Rubaie, an infrastructure expert from Baghdad University, commented on the development: “This project is not just about transportation; it’s about economic integration and regional cooperation. The involvement of neighboring countries underscores its potential to become a cornerstone of Middle Eastern logistics.”
As Iraq moves forward with this transformative project, the successful implementation of the Development Road could redefine the country’s economic landscape, offering new opportunities for trade and connectivity across the Middle East and beyond.
