Sudani stakes route to re-election on fixing traffic

Prime Minister Sudani has staked his government’s reputation on a commitment to solving Baghdad’s debilitating traffic congestion problem. But even if he succeeds in enhancing the capital's road infrastructure, it is doubtful whether residents will feel the difference in time for the next election.

In March last year, Sudani initiated an ambitious program comprising 16 projects aimed at improving the city's road network. These projects include the construction of bridges, overpasses, tunnels, and intersections, with many contracts awarded to Chinese and Thai companies.

Congestion in Baghdad has become a major problem in recent years due to a combination of factors including a growing population, the lack of investment in public transportation, and improving security conditions.

Sudani's emphasis on tackling congestion aligns with his broader policy agenda of enhancing service delivery, particularly municipal services, to garner popular support ahead of next year's election. He has been actively involved in ceremonies in Baghdad, laying foundations for infrastructure projects or inaugurating completed ones. On Wednesday, Sudani conducted a pre-dawn site inspection at a new road infrastructure project being developed at Nisour Square by the Chinese Railway Company.