Restoring and upgrading normal rail services is a major step in improving the transportation infrastructure in Iraq.
Cross border freight service reopened in August with service to both Syria and Turkey. This traffic includes petroleum products, LP gas, grain and manufactured products.
The railway from the Port of Umm Qasr to Baghdad and various locations throughout Iraq has served as a vital link in military re-supply as well as carrying fuel from the Shouaiba refinery.
In December, a weekly international passenger service was reopened between Mosul and Alepo. The railway is prepared to support the reopening of fertilizer and cement production in the western part of Iraq.
Iraqs railway system is guarded by Iraqis ? armed Iraqi Rail Police officers travel on every train to ensure passenger safety.
There are currently 250 Iraqi Rail Police in service.
Future plans
Three-hundred more Iraqi Rail Police are assigned to begin security on the rail line soon.