Iraq has completed a series of operational plans to facilitate the movement of pilgrims during the upcoming Ashura and Arbaeen religious observances, as authorities prepare for the arrival of millions of visitors to the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, Shafaq News reported on June 18, citing the Ministry of Transport.

Ashura, one of the most significant religious occasions for Shia Muslims, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. Millions of pilgrims travel to Karbala each year to mark the occasion, while even larger crowds are expected during the Arbaeen pilgrimage held 40 days later.

The ministry said that the Iraqi Republic Railways Company would participate in the transport programme by operating regular services between southern provinces, Baghdad and Karbala using 12 DMU trains, in addition to two reconstruction trains and two Turkish-made trains.

Under the plan, rail services will run from Basra's Al-Fayhaa station through southern governorates to Karbala, alongside dedicated services on the Baghdad-Karbala route. Reception and guidance services will also be provided at stations in Basra, the southern provinces, Baghdad and Karbala.

The General Company for Private Transport Management has meanwhile developed a separate operational plan based on four main transport corridors linking Karbala with Najaf, Baghdad, central and northern provinces, and surrounding districts. 

The measures are aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow and reducing congestion during the pilgrimage season.

According to the ministry, all field and administrative personnel will be deployed on a 24-hour basis using a three-shift system across major transport hubs and routes, in coordination with security forces, traffic directorates and supporting agencies.

The preparations come as Iraqi government institutions, local authorities and religious shrines intensify security and service arrangements for the month of Muharram and the Ashura pilgrimage, widely viewed as an early test of crowd-management plans ahead of the larger Arbaeen pilgrimage later this year.

The Ministry of Interior has announced heightened security readiness and expanded intelligence operations to protect mourning gatherings, religious processions and roads leading to the holy cities. Karbala Police Command said it had completed a dedicated security plan involving three security perimeters, extensive deployment of security and traffic forces, and the use of smart surveillance cameras.

Local authorities in Karbala and Najaf have also confirmed the readiness of transport, accommodation and municipal service sectors to receive pilgrims. 

However, electricity supply remains a major challenge due to rising seasonal demand, despite government pledges to boost power availability in host cities.