Iran, Iraq draw up plans for railway connection from Basra to Shalamcheh
Iran and Iraq transportation ministries signed a document setting a roadmap for implementation of Basra-Shalamcheh railway connection, which should boost economic activity for both countries.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The transportation ministers of Iran and Iraq have signed a memorandum of understanding to build the Shalamcheh-Basra railway and Shatt al-Arab bridge.
The agreement includes a roadmap and timetable for executing the project.
According to the signed agreement that Al-Monitor received a copy of, the project will be implemented by the railway companies of both sides, and work will begin within two months. The Iranian side agreed to withdraw from a portion of land inside Iraqi territory within 20 days in order to allow Iraq to build a workshop for the project. This land has been under Iran's control since the 1980s war between the two countries.
The Iraqi side likewise agreed to acquire the required lands on both sides of the Shatt al-Arab.
