Baghdad Metro project enters at an advanced planning and implementation stage

Baghdad, Iraq (Metro Rail Today): As Baghdad’s population exceeds 8 million, the long-delayed Baghdad Metro Project is finally moving from vision to execution. Recent high-level briefings by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Baghdad Mayor Ammar Musa Kadhim in December 2025 confirmed that the project has entered an advanced planning and implementation stage, marking a complete reimagining of mobility in the Iraqi capital.

A 148-km network redefining Baghdad’s urban mobility

The proposed Baghdad Metro network spans approximately 148 km and will include:

• 7 main metro lines

• 64 stations

• Direct links to Baghdad International Airport

• Connectivity to new residential cities and key government/commercial districts

The project is designed to cover almost every quadrant of the capital, easing traffic on severely congested road corridors.

Proposed Baghdad Metro Lines

• ???? Green Line: Al Alawi – Doura

• ???? Red Line: Al Alawi – Maisaloun Square

• ???? Blue Line: Al Shaab – Al Zuafaraniya

• ???? Purple Line: Al Tayaran Square – Al Shaab

• ???? Yellow Line: Al Baladiyat – Adan Square

• ⚪ White Line: Al Kadhimiya – Al Bayaa

• ✈️ Airport Line: Baghdad Airport – Al Qadisiya

These alignments strategically serve dense residential hubs, administrative centres, business districts, and transport interchanges.

Strong global participation and financing model

To ensure world-class delivery and technology infusion, Iraq is engaging leading global players including:

• France: Alstom, Systra, SNCF

• Spain: Talgo, SENER

• Turkey: major construction firms

Financial evaluation and structuring will be supported by:

• International Finance Corporation (IFC)

• European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Deutsche Bank (Germany) for financial backing

The project will follow the DBOMFT model (Design, Build, Operate, Maintain, Finance and Transfer) —inviting large-scale private sector participation and long-term sustainability.

Key benefits expected from Baghdad Metro

The Baghdad Metro is projected to:

• significantly reduce road congestion

• create thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and services

• improve urban land value and real estate development

• support economic revitalisation

• cut travel time across major corridors

Transit-oriented development around stations is expected to trigger new commercial hubs and business clusters.

Leadership signals strong commitment

Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed:

This project is key to improving urban mobility and supporting economic growth for Baghdad and Iraq as a whole.

The project is targeting completion by 2029, with the government emphasising international standards, transparency, and efficient project management.