Low Water Levels in the Tigris and Euphrates Limit River Taxi Operations in Baghdad

The Ministry of Transport said on Friday that low water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers remain the main obstacle limiting the operation and expansion of Iraq’s river taxi project, noting that the boats require sufficient water depth to operate safely.

Ministry media director Hussein Ahmed Al-Karbalaei said the ministry had previously provided a number of boats and equipped several docking stations, but declining water levels had significantly affected the project’s operations. He explained that the boats are fitted with sensors and safety systems that automatically stop them when the required water depth is unavailable.

He added that the project initially faced other challenges, including limited public demand, economic feasibility concerns and a shortage of docking stations. However, after some of these issues were addressed, low water levels have remained the main challenge to its operation.

Al-Karbalaei said the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Water Resources on the issue, given its connection to Iraq’s wider water situation, climate change and declining water reserves.

He noted that a docking station is available in the Al-Mutanabbi Street area, with limited river taxi services operating between Al-Jadriya and the Al-Mutanabbi station. He added that the service is more active in the Shatt al-Arab area due to suitable water depths and levels, while sufficient boats and specialized personnel are available to support the project.