Iraq has completed design work for its planned high-speed rail link to Turkiye, known as the Dry Canal, and is preparing tender construction contracts for the multibillion-dollar project by the end of this year. 

The scheme will link the new southern Gulf coast Al-Faw Grand Port, under construction since 2020, with northern Iraq and Turkiye.

Italian engineering services company Progetti Europa & Global (PEG) was appointed last year to conduct feasibility studies for the project. 

The scheme involves constructing 1,200 kilometres of new electric railway lines, making it one of the largest railway network projects in the region.

High-speed trains will operate along with conventional passenger and freight trains that will cut across most of Iraq.

The tender for constructing the first electric railway line is expected to be launched this year.

Iraq’s official news agency reported recently that the country will launch the scheme in early 2024.

In February, the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation said the project would be launched after the cabinet and parliament endorsed the 2023 state budget.

It is understood that France’s Alstom, which is involved in delivering Baghdad’s first metro line, could be well positioned for work on the project.

In addition to the rail line, Iraq's Ministry of Transportation is studying the preparation of designs for a road linking the Al-Faw Grand Port to Turkiye, with further connections to the European network.

“The transport system that will be used in the project is the European system with the aim of continuing the movement of international trains without stopping, taking into account the issue of pilgrimages,” the Ministry of Transport’s media office said.

“As for the highway, it will be two-way with a length of 1,190 km, starting from the Al-Faw Grand Port and passing through desert areas because it is intended for trucks and there is no need to enter the cities,” the ministry said.

The freight train service will have an initial capacity of 3.5 million containers and 22 million tonnes of bulk cargo a year. This will be raised in phases to 7.5 million containers and 33 million tonnes a year.

The high-speed passenger train service will have an initial capacity of 13.8 million passengers a year.

The ultimate aim of the scheme is to provide a cost-effective overland alternative to the Suez Canal.

In addition, Iraq intends to create a passenger train connection from Al-Faw Grand Port to Iran. Goods will still be transported to Iran by ship.

The Al-Faw Grand Port is designed to be one of the world’s largest container terminals.