Ministry of Transport to approve $2.5Bn Baghdad Metro in 2023 budget

Baghdad, Iraq (Metro Rail Today): Baghdad Metro, also called Baghdad Elevated Train (BET) project, has been included in the Iraqi Transport Ministry's 2023 budget. The project is awaiting Parliament approval and an announcement on this important topic is expected in Q1 of 2023.

"Iraq’s Minister of Transport Razzaq Muhibis Al-Saadawi has announced the inclusion of Baghdad Elevated Train (BET) project in the ministry's 2023 budget," a ministry spokesperson said.

Work on the Baghdad Metro project, comprising 14 stations and a depot with a total length of 20 kms, is due to start in the next two years. There are, however, plans to expand the line outside the city of Baghdad, and it may reach more than 50 kms.

The 20-kilometre, 14-station Baghdad Metro would connect Al Kadimiya city and Al Allawi Area to Al Shaab city in 23 minutes, bypassing Al Sarafiya Bridge and Al Sader City, according to the statement.

The elevated metro’s Al-Khadumia, AlEtafia, Alsarafia bridge, Al-Mustansirya, Wazyria and AlShab stretch would be 16 kilometres long, while its AlEtafia, AlMuthana Airport and Al-Alawi line would stretch for 4 kilometres.

In October 2020, An Alstom-led consortium, together with Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co.,Ltd., have signed a Memorandum of Intent with the Iraqi Ministry of Transport to define a framework to accelerate the implementation of the Baghdad Metro Rail project.

Project Summary

• Project Name: Baghdad Metro or Baghdad Elevated Train (BET) Project
• Project Cost: Approx. USD2.5 Billion
• Total Length: 20 kilometres
• Total Stations: 16
• Completion Target: 2027