Iran Launches Arbaeen 2025 Transport Plan, Expects Millions of Pilgrims

Iran Launches Arbaeen 2025 Transport Plan, Expects Millions of Pilgrims
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Iran will begin its Arbaeen 2025 transport operations on July 25, according to Deputy Minister of Transportation Mehran Ghorbani. The announcement came during a meeting held Wednesday in Tehran to coordinate plans for the annual pilgrimage.

Ghorbani noted that preparations are focused on managing the peak return period, expected between the evening of Arbaeen and the following three days. This year’s Arbaeen falls on August 14.
An estimated 3.95 million Iranian pilgrims are expected to participate through various modes of transport: approximately 900,000 by bus, 2.4 million by private vehicle, 296,000 by air, and 356,000 by train.

Additionally, a maritime route will connect Khorramshahr in Iran to Basra in Iraq for sea travel. The Mehran border crossing is anticipated to handle the bulk of traffic, accommodating around 60% of outgoing pilgrims and 70% of returnees. To meet demand during peak days, around 7,700 buses are needed daily.

With a current fleet of 6,500 buses, officials plan to implement special measures to address the shortfall. Arbaeen marks the 40th day following Ashura and is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, drawing millions of participants annually to the Iraqi city of Holy Karbala.