26 multinational firms shown interest in $2.5 billion Baghdad Metro Rail Project

Baghdad, Iraq (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Iraqi capital, 26 multinational corporations, hailing from China, India, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Qatar, have expressed their keen interest in participating in the execution of the Baghdad Metro project. The commitment to this transformative initiative was demonstrated in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, where representatives from China Railway showcased the company's capabilities to contribute to the ambitious project.

The National Investment Commission (NIC) Chairman, Haider Makiya, disclosed in early February that Iraq has initiated the acceptance of bids for the much-awaited $2.5 billion Baghdad Metro project. This marks a crucial step forward for the construction of the first elevated metro in Baghdad, addressing long-standing traffic congestion issues.

The Chinese company's involvement extends beyond the metro project, as they are currently implementing the Nisour Square development project in central Baghdad. This initiative aligns with the government's broader efforts to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital, showcasing a holistic approach to urban development.

Makiya emphasized that international companies interested in bidding for the Baghdad Metro project can submit their proposals via the NIC website, further opening the door for global corporations to actively participate in this transformative endeavor.

In a ceremony dedicated to launching the investment opportunities associated with the Baghdad Metro, the Iraqi Prime Minister highlighted the project's significance as a pivotal shift in the transportation sector. With a population exceeding eight million, the metro project is poised to play a crucial role in reducing enduring traffic congestion in the capital.

The Baghdad Metro, also known as the Baghdad Elevated Train (BET), is a proposed rapid transit system in the form of an elevated railway. The construction is scheduled to commence in 2024, with a targeted completion date in 2027. France's Alstom and South Korea's Hyundai are set to undertake the project's implementation, contributing to the $2.5 billion initiative aimed at easing road congestion in the capital.

The metro will consist of seven lines, covering a vast expanse of 148 kilometers and connecting the capital with newly developed communities. This extensive network is a strategic response to the city's traffic challenges, aiming to provide efficient and sustainable transportation options.

The timeline of the project has witnessed several milestones, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2017 for urban rail projects, confirmation of a French-South Korean consortium in 2019, and subsequent announcements in 2022 and 2023 regarding project initiation and budget allocation.

As a transformative infrastructure project, the Baghdad Metro is set to redefine the city's transportation landscape, offering a comprehensive solution to traffic congestion and contributing to the overall modernization and development of Baghdad.