Kurdistan Prime Minister Inaugurates Strategic Korre-Shaqlawa-Qandil Road
Masrour Barzani says the new dual carriageway will improve transportation, boost tourism and trade, and connect communities, while highlighting a unique feature that plays Kurdistan's national anthem, “Ey Raqib,” when vehicles travel at 80 kph.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani officially inaugurated the strategic Korre-Shaqlawa-Qandil road on Thursday, describing the project as an important step toward improving transportation links, facilitating trade, and connecting cities and communities across the Kurdistan Region.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Barzani congratulated residents of the area and the people of the Kurdistan Region, expressing satisfaction with the completion of the dual-carriageway project, which connects Pirmam with the Shaqlawa road and the surrounding areas of Mawaran and Kawanyan.
The prime minister acknowledged the engineering challenges involved in constructing the road, particularly the extensive excavation and filling required to cut through mountainous terrain.
He praised the contractor, North Light Company, for completing the project in an organized manner and in accordance with international standards.
Barzani expressed hope that the project would serve as a model for future infrastructure developments, saying he wanted to see roads of similar quality constructed throughout the Kurdistan Region to connect its cities.
The prime minister said the new road would make transportation easier for residents and tourists, support commercial activities, reduce travel time, and improve the movement of goods and people between different areas.
A Unique Feature Celebrating Kurdish Identity
Highlighting one of the road's distinctive features, Barzani revealed that a musical installation had been incorporated into the dual carriageway to play the Kurdistan Region's national anthem, "Ey Raqib," as vehicles pass over a designated section at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour.
Describing the feature as a beautiful addition to the project, he encouraged motorists to experience it while driving carefully and without causing any problems.
The inclusion of "Ey Raqib," a song deeply associated with Kurdish national identity and history, adds a cultural dimension to the infrastructure project, combining modern road engineering with a symbolic expression of Kurdish heritage.
Prime Minister Urges Motorists to Observe Traffic Rules
Barzani also urged motorists to follow traffic regulations and safety guidelines, emphasizing that responsible driving was essential to protecting themselves, their families, and other road users.
He encouraged residents to enjoy the new road while remaining cautious and respecting speed limits and other traffic instructions.
The Korre-Shaqlawa-Qandil project includes a 10-kilometer dual-carriageway road, the Mirawa and Mawaran tunnels, and three modern interchanges.
It is expected to reduce travel time between Erbil and the Soran Independent Administration by approximately 30 minutes.
Beyond improving road safety and easing congestion, the project is expected to strengthen access to tourism destinations, facilitate commercial transportation, and improve connectivity between Erbil and the northeastern parts of the Kurdistan Region, extending toward the Haji Omeran international border crossing with Iran.
The development forms part of the Ninth KRG Cabinet's broader infrastructure program aimed at modernizing transportation networks and strengthening economic links between cities and communities.
Concluding his remarks, Barzani once again congratulated residents of the area and the people of the Kurdistan Region, expressing his hope for continued development and prosperity across Kurdistan.