Iraq's Ministry of Transport recently announced the entry into service of a passenger and cargo railway line linking Baghdad and Basra.
According to Abdullah Sajet, director-general of the southern region of Iraq's railways company, the new line links Basra's sea ports to central Baghdad, passing through various cities en route. He further noted that a modern, high-speed train featuring sleeping compartments and restaurants has been purchased.
For the original May 19, 2014 piece from Al-Shorfa referenced in this summary, click here.