An official from the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RIA) announced that Iran and Iraq have reached an agreement to operate weekly combined train services from Tehran to Karbala, specifically for pilgrims following the Arbaeen rituals.

Mohsen Tabatabaei, Director General of Planning and Passenger Services at RIA, confirmed the arrangement with the Iraqi authorities to facilitate the weekly transport of pilgrims.

The service will involve a combination of train and bus travel, ensuring a seamless journey for passengers.

Pilgrims will travel by Iranian trains up to the Shalamcheh station, where they will undergo customs formalities before being transported by bus to Basra. From Basra, Iraqi trains will carry the passengers to the Karbala Railway Station, according to Tabatabaei.

The service is scheduled to run weekly, with a train departing from Tehran to Karbala every Saturday. Tabatabaei also noted the possibility of increasing the frequency of these trains if there is a rise in demand.