The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) plans to upgrade all major highways connecting the region’s provinces to two-way roads over the next three years, Dana Abdulkarim, Minister of Reconstruction and Housing, said. The upgrades aim to improve travel efficiency, strengthen regional connectivity, and support long-term economic growth. Moreover, they will enhance safety for commuters and facilitate trade across provinces.
Abdulkarim highlighted a new strategic route that stretches more than 22 kilometers. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani guided the project, and the Hemin Group executed it. “This road meets international standards and connects Erbil with Sulaymaniyah, Raparin, and other districts,” he said. Consequently, the route will reduce travel times and improve safety for daily commuters and commercial vehicles.
The minister also outlined other infrastructure plans. Workers are already improving the Dokan–Chwarqurna and Erbil–Koya routes. The ministry completed the Koya–Dokan highway design and will soon open it for tender. Meanwhile, teams are developing the Erbil–Chwarqurna route via Haibet Sultan Tunnel and the Gomaspan–Doli Samquli–Halabja–Penjwen route. The Sayyid Sadiq–Halabja road is finished, and crews will start expanding it to two lanes toward Penjwen soon. These projects will strengthen provincial connectivity and create safer, faster transport links across the region.
Abdulkarim explained that budget limits force the government to prioritize strategic highways built to international standards. However, other projects will begin once funding becomes available.
Separately, Khalid Khushnaw, head of Hemin Group, confirmed that construction will start this year on a 74-kilometer, 150-meter-wide arterial highway in Erbil. He added that work is progressing quickly, although the completion date is not yet set.
Recently, Prime Minister Barzani inaugurated the Erbil–Gomaspan highway. The Hemin Group completed it in under a year. Barzani praised the team for delivering the road quickly and to international standards. He also noted that the project improves traffic efficiency, public safety, and access to services for citizens.
Overall, these highway upgrades support the KRG’s plan to modernize the road network, enhance intercity travel, and boost economic growth. By building key routes to international standards, the government aims to improve traffic flow, strengthen regional connections, and promote sustainable development across the Kurdistan Region.
