Thorough Development Plan to Boost Trade and Transit at Bashmaq Border

According to Shahram Shokri, the project includes organizing and constructing internal terminal routes under a contract valued at 4.69 thousand billion IRRs. By separating passenger and cargo routes—such as fuel and container routes—the project seeks to streamline traffic flow, expedite border exchanges and ensure the safety of terminal operations.
Mr. Shokri further stated that the completion of this project is expected to double the border's capacity. Trade volume is projected to rise from 5.5 to 11 million tons, while transit volume is anticipated to increase from 3.5 to over 7 million tons.
The Director General also noted that the terminal handles significant volumes of oil and due derivatives as incoming transit, while outgoing transit primarily comprises imported goods from the Kurdistan Region. In the export sector, fruits, vegetables and construction materials dominate the trade.
Mr. Shokri also stressed the border's importance during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, citing Kurdistan's favorable weather status as a key factor in attracting pilgrims. This year, a 20% increase in pilgrim traffic through Bashmaq is expected.
To improve services for Arbaeen pilgrims, surface repairs and the renewal of road signage on access routes to the terminal are underway. Additionally, efforts to organize passenger traffic within the terminal and ensure round-the-clock arrangement among relevant agencies are being prioritized to prevent congestion and facilitate seamless travel.
This comprehensive development underscores the Kurdistan Province’s commitment to transforming the Bashmaq border into a more efficient and secure hub for trade and pilgrimage.