Traffic Congestion: An Economic Burden for Iraq

Traffic congestion remains a significant issue for Iraqis, exacerbated by a steady increase in the number of vehicles and deteriorating infrastructure that challenge both the economy and the environment. The inefficacy of successive governments to address this persistent crisis has led to ongoing struggles for many citizens.

Fadel Al-Gharawi, head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, highlighted that traffic congestion incurs substantial economic losses, amounting to approximately $2 billion annually. These losses stem from time wasted in traffic, excessive fuel consumption, and the need for ongoing infrastructure maintenance.

Al-Gharawi explained that studies indicate workers in urban areas spend a significant portion of their day stuck in traffic rather than engaged in productive work. The 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard reported that employees in major cities lose around 100 to 150 hours each year due to congestion. This translates to economic losses equivalent to 2% to 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in various countries.

In Iraq, the implications of traffic congestion extend beyond time loss, as it leads to higher fuel consumption, increasing transportation and logistics costs. These expenses burden both individuals and businesses alike.

Moreover, Al-Gharawi estimates the economic impacts of traffic congestion in major cities may indeed reach between $1 billion to $2 billion annually. The increased difficulty in reaching workplaces leads to reduced workforce efficiency and diminished actual working hours.

A World Bank study notes that workers experiencing daily delays of up to an hour due to congestion see their productivity drop by 15% compared to their peers. Furthermore, traffic delays significantly impede the movement of goods and services, disrupting supply chains, and reducing the competitiveness of firms, particularly those reliant on timely deliveries.

Economic reports suggest that companies could be missing out on 10% to 20% of business opportunities owing to delays in delivery caused by prolonged traffic jams.

Al-Gharawi also indicated that prolonged traffic congestion contributes to increased emissions from vehicles, aggravating environmental pollution and subsequently elevating health burdens and medical expenses for individuals and the government alike.

Studies from the United Nations reflect that areas with severe congestion report a rise in respiratory diseases by as much as 30% when compared to less congested regions.

Additionally, the Iraqi population confronts over three hours of traffic congestion daily in certain areas, inflating individual transportation costs by 40%. The World Bank estimated in 2024 that congestion-related transportation costs account for approximately 1.5% of Iraq’s GDP.

Al-Gharawi commended the government’s efforts to tackle traffic congestion through the construction of bridges, tunnels, and road expansions. He called for a national priority approach to effectively resolve the traffic conundrum, emphasizing the need for improved public transport infrastructure and the adoption of strategic traffic management plans. Such endeavors should include reducing the prevalence of vehicles manufactured before 2012, constructing expansive road networks in urban areas, and developing inter-governorate routes that meet international standards, all while promoting sustainable public transport to enhance economic productivity and minimize long-term environmental and health costs.

Baghdad’s streets are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of traffic congestion, where peak hour bottlenecks can exceed 200% of standard thresholds. Reports indicate that approximately 60% of Iraqis endure psychological stress as a result of persistent traffic issues.

Traffic jams in Baghdad alone contribute to annual losses of around 500 billion dinars (approximately $342 million), primarily due to wasted fuel. The Future Foundation for Studies and Economic Consultations elucidated these findings in its analyses.

An article from March 2024 characterized Baghdad as one of the worst cities globally for traffic conditions. The combination of deteriorating roads, extensive checkpoint presence, a burgeoning vehicle population, and delays in infrastructure projects have culminated in this sad distinction, with the city marked as experiencing the worst traffic in the Middle East since 2003.

On June 25, 2024, the Minister of Reconstruction, Housing, and Public Municipalities, Benkin Rikani, announced the initiation of the first projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Baghdad. These projects include the construction of two bridges over the Tigris River along Al-Sarafi.

On March 26, 2024, the Council of Ministers enacted several resolutions, including the modification of official working hours for ministries and their affiliates in Baghdad, designed to mitigate the overwhelming congestion in the capital.

As of the end of 2023, Iraq’s vehicle count stood at approximately 7.73 million, reflecting a 1.8% increase from 2022. The vehicle density is now approximated at one car for every 5.3 individuals, down slightly from 5.42 in 2022. Projections based on current population growth and vehicle density trends suggest that this number could exceed 9 million vehicles in the near future.

The ongoing traffic congestion in Baghdad is a longstanding dilemma, persisting despite efforts to open previously closed key roads due to security concerns since 2003. Over the prior year, significant efforts have been underway to alleviate traffic through multiple projects, notably the construction of new bridges and tunnels, several of which are already operational while others remain under construction.

Baghdad’s population challenges are compounded by the influx of millions of cars over the past two decades, without corresponding expansions to the road and bridge networks or updates to public transport. Ongoing road closures for security reasons and other challenges have only exacerbated the situation.