French firm Alstom has reportedly signed a $1.5-billion deal with the Iraqi authorities for the design and construction of a monorail system in Baghdad.
Azzaman reports that the contract was signed by Baghdad Governor Salah Abdulrazzaq and Alstom representatives in the Iraqi capital.
“The aim of the project is to ease congestions in Baghdad and provide a fast means of transport between the capital’s most densely populated neighborhoods,” he said.
The first phase will be 25 kilometers long and will require the building of 14 stations. Iraq will pay the cost in installments over a six-year period.
Abdulrazzaq said there is to be a second phase, but did not mention when a contract for its construction will be announced.
Azzaman
15 February
