Baghdad's Traffic Crisis: Government Initiatives and Expert Insights
In recent months, Baghdad has been grappling with a severe traffic congestion crisis, prompting the government of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani to launch a significant campaign aimed at alleviating the issue. This initiative involves collaboration with both local and international companies to construct new bridges and expand existing roadways. The government has announced ambitious projects that include the construction of three new bridges for vehicles and two pedestrian overpasses, along with a comprehensive plan to develop the city’s road network, which spans over 9,000 kilometers.
Despite these efforts, experts remain skeptical about whether these measures will effectively resolve the traffic woes of Baghdad. Economic analyst Mustafa Hantoush pointed out that the capital is home to over 50 traffic nodes, yet the Baghdad Municipality has struggled to utilize its substantial budget effectively due to rampant corruption. He emphasized that while the new bridges are a step in the right direction, they are insufficient alone to tackle the deep-rooted issues plaguing the city's infrastructure.
The Need for Radical Solutions to Traffic Congestion
As Baghdad's population swells to approximately 10 million, the demand for a comprehensive urban planning strategy becomes increasingly urgent. Experts like MP Alaa Sukkar Al-Delfi advocate for a complete overhaul of the city’s infrastructure, not just superficial fixes. Suggestions include relocating ministries to a new administrative capital on the outskirts and developing modern residential cities to ease the population density in the city center.
Social affairs expert Qasim Al-Kanani highlighted the critical need for solutions that go beyond mere patchwork fixes. With around 4 to 5 million cars in Baghdad, the current infrastructure is overwhelmed, necessitating broader and more innovative solutions. Citizens like Momel Raad have also proposed drastic measures, such as halting the import of cars and promoting the transfer of older vehicles to less congested areas. While the government’s initiatives are a positive start, the consensus remains that without radical changes, Baghdad's traffic crisis will persist.
