Iraq Launches River Taxi Project to Ease Traffic in Baghdad and Eight Provinces

Iraq’s Transport Ministry is launching a river taxi system in Baghdad and eight provinces to ease traffic congestion and support tourism. The project is designed to modernize river transport and give citizens new mobility options. The plan will be carried out along three main tracks. In the first phase, new routes will be established in Fallujah, Ramadi, Habbaniyah and Hit in Anbar province, in coordination with local authorities. The second phase will reactivate services that were previously suspended for various reasons in Basra, Wasit, Najaf and Babil. The third phase will involve economic and technical feasibility studies in Dhi Qar, Nineveh and Salahaddin to define future operating procedures. As part of implementation, docking sites were selected based on water levels on the Tigris and Euphrates, suitable boat types were chosen and river depths were measured. Economic assessment mechanisms and operating models were also developed to support the system’s sustainability. Maintenance and rehabilitation work has begun on existing boats for the project, which aims to reduce congestion in cities and revive domestic tourism.