Railways of Iraq

Dalian Locomotive Works has a news release about Iraq’s ambassador to China visiting the plant on June 17. It’s in Chinese, but a Babelfish translation gives the general idea.

… several years ago, the Dalian locomotive company has with the Iraqi railroad aspect has exported the locomotive project the cooperation, in the recent two years, the our company in the locomotive variety, the productivity as well as the foreign cooperation aspect also had the considerable development, the company has wanted and has the ability to provide the quality product and the good service in the Iraqi railroad reconstruction process. Ismail Ambassador to company’s warm reception expression thanks. His outline introduced the Iraqi railroad present situation, pointed out, at present Iraq is carrying on the postwar reconstruction, has the giant market demand in the railroad construction aspect. He indicates believed that, between both countries government and the people the deep traditional friendship and the Dalian locomotive company will have the good cooperation solid foundation based on Iraq in with the Iraqi railroad, both sides has been able to seek the broad cooperation in the Iraqi iron reconstruction process.

News from Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, 2005-07-20

In a meeting of Iraq’s minister of trans. and RAI President on July 16,2005, both parties stressed on the earlier start of khorramshahr-Basreh railway .

As told by Iraqi delegates, the feasibility studies of the plan has been finished in Iraq . In this meeting Iraq’s minister of trans. pointed to the 600 thousand tones of petroleum and its derivatives being exported through Syria’s railways and expressed hope that the establishment of the project will make easier rail connections for Iraq.

He also declared Iraq’s willingness to take advantage of Iran’s expertise in construction of Karbala –Najaf railway and overhauling of locomotives and wagons.

RAI president also expressed Iran’s inclination for construction of Khorramshahr- Basreh railway and referred to the two operational phases : firstly, infrastructure and superstructure of tracks throughout the way in Iran and Iraq and secondly, bridge construction over Arand –Roud.

At the end of meeting, Iraq’s delegation visited Tehran Railway station.

This dates from 15 July 2005 . Did anyone go?

At the request of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and Railway Supply Institute Inc. will conduct a briefing July 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Washington, D.C., to inform U.S. rail industry suppliers about business opportunities associated with rebuilding Iraq’s railway.

Speakers include Joel Szabat, transportation counselor at the U.S. Embassy’s Iraq Reconstruction Management Office in Baghdad, who serves as lead advisor to the Iraqi minister of transportation; and Jay Brandes, director of the commerce department’s Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force. Szabat will discuss the reconstruction of Iraq’s railway; Brandes will talk about Commerce Department services available to U.S. companies doing business in Iraq and current funding sources.

Al Jazeera reports Iraqi oil tanker train blown up
Fighters have blown up an oil train in Baghdad … Thursday’s hit on the train carrying petroleum products was the first such attack in Iraq, railway spokesman Jawad al-Kharsan said. The explosion ignited a massive blaze extending down the railway line in southern Baghdad and killed an Iraqi soldier. Four others, including a civilian, were injured in the blast. The five-man train crew, however, escaped unhurt, railway officials said.