Iraq’s Ministry of Transport Delivers Cadastral Maps to Southern Provinces to Advance Development Road Project

In a decisive move toward realizing Iraq’s strategic Development Road Project, the Ministry of Transport has delivered both paper and digital versions of cadastral maps to four key southern provinces: Dhi Qar, Muthanna, Diwaniyah, and Basra. The announcement, made on Thursday, follows the directive of Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi and underscores the government’s commitment to fast-tracking infrastructure projects critical to national connectivity and economic diversification.

According to an official statement from the Ministry, “The cadastral maps were delivered to the local governments in the aforementioned provinces to expedite the start of the Development Road Project.” These maps include central alignment coordinates and a detailed table of land plots and districts affected by the planned route.

The ministry deployed specialized teams to deliver the documentation. In Dhi Qar, General Director of Railways Maki Jaber personally handed over the documents to Acting Governor Majid Al-Atabi. Simultaneously, another ministry delegation, which included the Development Road Project Director and members of the ministerial council’s secretariat, visited Muthanna, Diwaniyah, and Basra to ensure timely and accurate map delivery.

The cadastral packages are crucial for launching the land acquisition process. The ministry confirmed that subcommittees for expropriation—led by provincial governors and comprising representatives from relevant agencies—will now begin surveying and acquiring land along the designated project route.

The Development Road is a transformative infrastructure initiative aiming to link Iraq’s southern ports to northern borders, integrating road and rail networks to enhance trade, mobility, and regional cooperation. The timely handover of cadastral maps represents a foundational step in bringing this national vision to fruition.