The Iraqi Ministry of Transportation announced on Saturday the formation of a dedicated operations room to oversee the implementation of the transportation plan for the Ashura and Arbaeen pilgrimages.
In a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Ministry Spokesperson Maytham Al-Safi stated:
“The Ministry of Transportation is fully preparing for the sacred month of Muharram, including the first ten days, the day of Ashura, and the Arbaeen pilgrimage. These preparations are being made in accordance with the directives of the Minister of Transportation.”
He explained that preparations begin a full year in advance:
“We initiate the planning process at the end of the previous year to ensure full readiness for the following year. This is done through the Transport Operations Room, which includes several key entities such as:
The General Company for Passengers and Delegations
The General Company for Iraqi Railways
Iraqi Airways
The General Company for Private Transport Management
The State Company for Land Transport
The General Company for Air Navigation Services
The Iraqi Airports Authority.”
Al-Safi added that each department plays a defined role in the operational plan.
“Iraqi Airways is preparing its fleet—particularly wide-body aircraft—and increasing the number of flights to key countries whose nationals regularly participate in these pilgrimages, including Pakistan, Iran, Bahrain, and several Gulf states.”
He continued:
“The General Company for Private Transport Management is preparing and organizing the operation of parking stations near the main roads leading to Karbala, while the General Company for Passengers and Delegations is preparing its fleet of buses, including both single and double-decker models. Each year, more than 600 buses from the company participate in Muharram pilgrimage operations.”
Al-Safi noted that the operations room, chaired by Dr. Hazem Al-Hafadhy, the Administrative Deputy Minister and under the direction of Minister of Transportation Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi, is holding intensive coordination meetings in preparation for the pilgrimage season.
“This year, the Ministry has made significant direct preparations, including the enhancement of airport infrastructure and full readiness to accommodate the influx of millions of pilgrims—both during Arbaeen and on the tenth day of Muharram.”
He also pointed out the vital role of supporting entities that provide logistical and technical assistance, such as:
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The General Company for Maritime Transport
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The General Company for Iraqi Ports
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As well as several other affiliated formations contributing to the support of core operations.
Al-Safi concluded his remarks by stating:
“The Ministry of Transportation is consistently prepared for this file and has accumulated extensive experience in managing mass pilgrimage events. The Ministry successfully fulfilled its duties last year, receiving full approval from both the Iraqi government and the public for its performance.”