TEHRAN – A bus line, connecting Tehran to Najaf, has been launched in the Iranian capital in anticipation of the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage, which will reach its climax on August 25.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage, which commemorates the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, draws millions of pilgrims to Najaf and Karbala each year.

The service is operated by the Roads and Urban Development Organization of Iran to facilitate the journey for Iranian pilgrims, ILNA reported.

The official launch ceremony for the Tehran-Najaf bus line took place at the West Terminal in Tehran, with Mehdi Qolizadeh, the Organization’s Secretary of the Arbaeen Committee, presiding over the event. He announced that ticket presales began on July 31, and the service officially commenced operations on August 6.

Qolizadeh highlighted that five buses were dispatched on the inaugural day of the service, with plans to expand the fleet based on demand. “We aim to provide 400 direct bus services from Tehran to Najaf for the Arbaeen rituals,” he stated, adding that the daily services could increase to 18 buses if demand necessitates.

In his remarks, Qolizadeh emphasized the service’s focus on catering to elderly and senior pilgrims, acknowledging the challenges posed by the extreme heat during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. “This initiative ensures that pilgrims, particularly the elderly, can travel to Iraq with minimal delay at the borders,” he explained.

The bus service has been designed to streamline the pilgrimage process, allowing for a more comfortable and efficient journey. “The direct route minimizes the hassle of multiple transfers, making the trip more accessible for all participants,” Qolizadeh noted.

Acknowledging the limited availability of buses within Iran, Qolizadeh disclosed that the organization has partnered with Iraq’s transportation network to bolster the service. This collaboration ensures that the daily operations run smoothly and that other pilgrimage routes, such as the popular Tehran to Mehran terminal, remain unaffected.

“Our coordination with Iraqi transport authorities allows us to provide a robust service, ensuring no disruptions in daily bus operations and the dispatch of other pilgrims to the Mehran border terminal,” he said.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a profound event for Shia Muslims worldwide. It is observed on the 20th day of the Islamic month of Safar, with millions of pilgrims making the journey to Najaf and Karbala to pay their respects.

More than 4.5 million Iranian pilgrims are estimated to attend this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage destined for the holy city of Karbala. Last year, the religious event drew approximately 22.5 million pilgrims from around the globe to Karbala, underscoring its role as one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

AM