Iraq lays rail and bus transport plan for Ashura pilgrimages to Karbala and Najaf

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Transport has finalized transport arrangements for the upcoming Ashura and Arbaeen pilgrimages, the ministry's Directorate General of Railways announced. The plan calls for 16 trains — 12 DMU trains, two rehabilitation trains and two trains sourced from Turkey — to operate from Basra's Faisal Station through southern cities to Karbala, with additional services running on the Baghdad–Karbala line. The Special Transport Authority has designated four main routes: Karbala–Najaf–Khan Nuh; Karbala–Baghdad; Karbala to central and northern cities; and Karbala–Hilla and Husseiniya. Field teams will work in three shifts around the clock at terminals and intersections in coordination with security units and traffic departments. The Interior Ministry said it was tightening security preparations, while Karbala police command reported that three security rings and smart-camera surveillance measures had been completed. Local authorities said preparations in transport, shelter and municipal services were continuing and that electricity supply would be increased during the pilgrimage period. The Ashura commemorations mark the killing of Imam Hussein and members of Ahl al-Bayt in Karbala, drawing millions of pilgrims to the city each year.