Despite 11 years of financial strain, the Kurdistan Region has completed 600 road projects, driving trade, tourism, and connectivity forward.
The road and transport safety sector are considered one of the most important foundations for development and economic recovery. In the Kurdistan Region, development in this sector has progressed significantly. The road sector has been one of the sectors that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has consistently prioritized across all its cabinets. Even though since 2014 the KRG has been under economic pressure, this was never a reason for the government to stop development. On the contrary, the latest data shows continuous progress in the road sector.
According to statistics obtained by The Kurdish Globe from government sources and the Road Directorate, 600 road projects have been completed in the past five years, totaling 2,189 kilometers. In addition, many significant and strategic projects are currently under implementation.
One such strategic project is the dual carriageway between Erbil and Koya district, which is now under execution. Once completed, it will serve as a vital gateway connecting Erbil with other cities in Kurdistan and even with Sulaymaniyah province. The road is being built in a way that ensures broader regional benefits.
According to The Kurdish Globe’s inquiry, the original design of the Erbil-Koya dual carriageway was not as it is now. However, based on the directive of PM Masrour Barzani, several important services were added to the project. The project is being implemented in a modern manner by a local company, at a cost of IQD 560 billion and 443 million.
As per The Kurdish Globe’s available data, several road projects are being implemented this year. The most notable include:
• The dual carriageway Khalifan–Soran
• The Gazna road service project
• Construction of bridges at Derbandi Rania and Awakhêri,
• And foundational work for several new service roads in 2024, including:
– Dual roads Erbil–Koya
– Dual road Baa’dre–Etout
– Dual road Shekhan–Lalish
– Dual road Gomaspan–Smaqouli
o Halabja bridge and Tuaqut–Qlijah road
o Dual road Bardarash–Khabat
Some of these have been completed, while others are in progress.
Development in the road sector has directly influenced the increase in the number of tourists in Kurdistan. For example, the 120m and 150m ring roads in Erbil are near completion. Since construction began, tourist numbers in Erbil have doubled, benefiting tourist sites in and around Erbil, including in the Zakho Autonomous Administration.
The Kurdistan Region, with its stability, safety, and culture of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity, is an ideal tourist destination. The KRG remains committed to making tourism a core pillar of the economy and does not wish to rely solely on oil revenues. This vision is being realized in parallel with road sector development. Even areas that were neglected for years due to border issues are now receiving investment, with dual carriageways under construction.
One such expected project set to finish in the coming months is the dual road to Haji Omaran, stretching 2,500 meters. It includes:
– Underground water and electricity networks
– Concrete retaining walls
– Parking areas
– Green zones
– Modern design elements
When complete, this road will support commercial, economic, and tourism movement.
Another major development is the Akre–Qandil road upgrade, which will facilitate travel for tourists to around 25 villages in the area.
As for commercial movement, the road sector’s recent progress has elevated Kurdistan’s trade connections with neighboring countries to the highest levels. Internally, the improved roads have made it easier for traders to move goods efficiently, reducing the cost of transporting products between cities.
All this comes at a time when, for 11 full years, the Kurdistan Region has been under severe economic blockade and financial pressure by the Iraqi government. The Region has received neither its rightful budget nor constitutional financial entitlements. Yet the KRG has not stopped working. In fact, available statistics show that, in every respect, Kurdistan’s infrastructure has progressed more than many central and southern provinces of Iraq.
The Kurdish Globe