Funding sought for Iraq’s massive proposed road project

A huge road and rail project is being proposed for Iraq to link the country with Turkey. Financing is being sought for the project, which would result in the construction of a 1,200km link.

The Iraqi Government has described building the parallel road and rail routes as one of the most important infrastructure projects for the country in its history. International funding will be required for the project, which could cost as much as US$17 billion.

The combined road and rail link would connect Iraq’s key cities, Mosul, Baghdad and Basra, with Turkey. The route would extend as far as the port of Al-Faw, in the south of the country and located close to the mouth of the Shatt al Arab River on the Persian Gulf.