Efforts to address traffic congestion in Baghdad are intensifying, with municipal authorities confirming plans to complete four major overpasses as part of the city’s 2026 development program.
At the same time, the General Traffic Directorate has launched a campaign against private vehicles operating as taxis in Baghdad and other provinces, aiming to regulate transport services and improve road discipline.
Four Strategic Overpasses Underway
Baghdad Municipality spokesperson Uday Al-Jandil said work is progressing on a package of projects launched in 2025 and continuing into 2026.
He explained that the projects are being implemented in coordination with specialized companies and are designed to ease bottlenecks across the capital.
Key projects include:
– Al-Hussein Overpass: Construction has begun to reduce congestion in one of the city’s busy areas.
– Sector 55 Overpass in Sadr City: Technical and engineering works are ongoing.
– Antar Square Overpass: Continued development to address traffic pressure in eastern Baghdad.
– Baghdad–Hilla Road Overpass: A strategic link intended to ease southern entry traffic.
Officials say these overpasses will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce delays in high-density districts.
Use of Self-Financed Resources
Al-Jandil noted that the municipality is relying heavily on self-financing mechanisms, including activating asphalt production plants and utilizing municipal machinery.
He said visible improvements have already appeared in Sadr City, where several roads have been resurfaced and upgraded to model standards.
Other municipal departments continue road maintenance and neighborhood improvements based on available human and technical resources.
Daily Cleaning and Greening Campaigns
In addition to infrastructure projects, Baghdad Municipality teams are continuing daily cleaning operations and expanding green spaces across the capital.
Authorities aim to enhance the urban environment while addressing both traffic challenges and public services in parallel.
Traffic Police Campaign Against Private Taxis
The General Traffic Directorate confirmed ongoing legal measures against private vehicles operating as paid transport without proper registration.
Colonel Haider Shaker Mohammed, Director of Media and Relations at the Directorate, said that using private vehicles as taxis constitutes a clear violation of traffic law.
The campaign includes:
– Imposing legal fines on violators.
– Deploying traffic patrols across Baghdad and other provinces.
– Ensuring fairness among licensed public transport operators.
Officials urged citizens to comply with traffic regulations to maintain public order and ensure smoother traffic movement.
Integrated Approach to Traffic Reform
Authorities say solving traffic congestion in Baghdad requires a combined strategy involving:
– Infrastructure development through overpasses and road upgrades.
– Strict enforcement of traffic regulations.
– Improved public service management.
The municipality and traffic police continue coordinating efforts to create safer and more efficient road conditions across the capital.
Conclusion:
Baghdad’s 2026 plans focus on easing traffic congestion through the construction of four key overpasses and strengthened regulatory enforcement. As infrastructure projects advance and traffic campaigns intensify, authorities aim to deliver long-term improvements in mobility and urban services throughout the city.
