Iraq to rebuild rail system as reconstruction gathers pace

In a shabby, rusty train that had just left Baghdad for the southern city of Basra, Riyadh Saleh moved restlessly from carriage to carriage, searching for a comfortable, air-conditioned seat.

Saleh was one of about 200 passengers taking a 25-year-old diesel train to Basra last week; he was enticed by fares as low as 7,500 dinars (HK$43) for a seat on the 600 kilometre (375 mile) journey. But like many others, he felt the experience - especially the train’s top speed of 60-70 km/hour - left much to be desired.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1236711/iraq-rebuild-rail-system-reconstruction-gathers-pace