Iraq Faces Growing Transport Crisis as New School Year Approaches

Iraq is facing mounting transportation challenges, with around 3 million vehicles in Baghdad and more than 8 million across the country, while the road network continues to expand at a much slower pace than the growth in population and vehicle numbers.

The figures come as Iraq’s population has surpassed 46 million, including around 8.3 million residents in Baghdad, while more than 12 million school and university students are preparing to return to classes when the new academic year begins on September 20.

The return of millions of students and employees to schools, universities and workplaces is expected to put additional pressure on the country’s roads, particularly during peak hours, as private cars remain the dominant mode of transportation in Iraqi cities.

The transport crisis extends beyond traffic congestion, affecting the economy, urban planning and the environment. In response, the government is working to expand public transportation networks and introduce new modes of transport, alongside road expansion, bridge projects and measures aimed at improving traffic management.