Iraq's Transport Ministry says Ashura pilgrimage fares unchanged

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Transport said transportation fares for pilgrims visiting during Ashura have remained unchanged, with no new pricing adjustments introduced for the visitation period. In a statement, the ministry said transport fees are being kept at their previous levels. It added that relevant units have opened new routes to carry visitors closer to shrines and holy sites, with the aim of easing traffic flow and reducing congestion during the pilgrimage. The ministry said the additional routes and accompanying measures were intended to prevent price gouging and ensure more orderly service for pilgrims traveling to Karbala. It did not specify which shrines or routes were affected. Coordination work led by the ministry to keep Ashura pilgrimage transport running smoothly in Karbala is continuing, according to the statement.