Mehran Border Fully Prepared to Welcome Millions of Arbaeen Pilgrims
The Director General of Road Maintenance and Transportation of Ilam Province has announced significant infrastructure upgrades and developments to accommodate millions of pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. The Mehran border, the most frequented Arbaeen crossing in Iran and the Shahid Raisi (Barkat) Passenger Terminal have undergone extensive improvements to ensure seamless transportation and enhanced services for pilgrims.
According to Seyyed-Zahedin Cheshmeh-Khavar the Mehran Border has facilitated the travel of approximately 3.5 million pilgrims over the past two years, making it a central hub for Arbaeen activities.
*Major Infrastructure Projects*
Over the last three years, more than 1,150 kilometers of roads connecting key routes to the Mehran border have been resurfaced. These include the Hamil-Ilam-Mehran, Islamabad-Qalajeh-Ilam-Mehran, Andimeshk-Dehloran-Mehran and Darehshahr-Ilam routes. Additionally, a contract worth 370 billion IRRs has been signed to install composite information and enforcement signs, with 80,000 signs already placed along these routes.
To address past traffic congestion, nearly 12 kilometers of new roads and two 45-meter bridge spans were constructed between 2022 and 2024. This has effectively resolved the 17-kilometer traffic bottlenecks previously experienced on the Ilam-Mehran routes.
*Safety and Monitoring Enhancements*
In terms of safety measures, 100 kilometers of New-Jersey barriers have been installed on provincial roads, with an additional 20 kilometers planned. Annual road markings are also being conducted on 3,000 kilometers of routes leading to the Mehran border.
The province has also invested in advanced monitoring systems. Currently, 36 violation-recording cameras are operational on roads leading to the Mehran border, with 11 more cameras under installation. Furthermore, 16 new video surveillance cameras will soon be integrated into the monitoring network.
*Service Develpment for Pilgrims*
To enhance the experience for Arbaeen pilgrims, 52,000 square meters of awnings have already been installed. In addition, 5,000 square meters of permanent awnings and 20,000 square meters of temporary awnings are being added to increase service capacity. Last year, 14 kilometers of fogging systems and 270 jet fans were installed to improve road conditions. This year, an additional 10 kilometers of fogging systems and 100 jet fans are being added.
*Border Area Upgrades*
Mehran border has been enhanced with 12,000 square meters of landscaping, complete asphalting and surface water diversion projects. Similar improvements have been implemented at the Barkat terminal. Additional upgrades include increased health facilities and rest areas for drivers, as well as the near-completion of an emergency defense road to support service providers and support forces.
These comprehensive projects underscore the commitment of the Ilam Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization to ensuring a safe, efficient and comfortable journey for millions of Arbaeen pilgrims.
