World Bank Approves $900 Million for Iraq Road Infrastructure

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The World Bank has approved $900 million in financing to improve road infrastructure across Iraq, according to a statement from the institution. The project targets economic transport corridors, with initial phases focused on renovating main sections of the E1 highway, upgrading roads in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, and constructing the first section of the E2 highway. The planned corridors include a north-south route connecting Baghdad to the Turkish border and an east-west route linking Baghdad to Syria and Jordan. Road transport accounts for more than 90 percent of transport in Iraq, the statement noted. The Roads and Bridges Department will implement the project in coordination with the Ministry of Planning. The investment aims to enhance the efficiency of Iraq's national road network and strengthen its resilience to climate change. Approximately 7.9 million citizens are expected to benefit from the road projects.