BAGHDAD (Dispatches) -- The governor of Karbala, a major holy city in Iraq, has announced extensive preparations to host an estimated 25 million pilgrims for this year’s Arba’een mourning ceremonies, marking a notable increase from last year’s attendance.
Qassim al-Yassari, speaking in an interview with the Iranian news network Al-Alam, highlighted the province’s multi-sector efforts to accommodate the rising number of pilgrims. The figure marks an increase from the approximately 22 million pilgrims who visited Karbala for Arba’een ceremonies last year.
Since 2003, following the fall of Iraq’s former regime, Karbala has seen a steady growth in pilgrims attending the event, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).
Al-Yassari outlined comprehensive preparations across various sectors, including transportation, municipal services, electricity, water, and security. 
“These preparations are being implemented synergistically in all these areas,” he said, attributing the progress to accumulated experience and the contributions of specialists and officials across provincial departments.
The governor reported significant improvements in transport infrastructure, including the development and reconstruction of key roads linking Karbala with Baghdad, Babil, and Najaf, as well as the construction of major squares to ease pilgrim transit. 
Both public and private transportation systems are fully operational, with the Karbala Province renting 400 buses for the Babil corridor. The Iraqi Ministry of Transport manages the Baghdad route, while the Hajj and Pilgrimage Authority oversees the Najaf corridor.
Municipal services are bolstered to manage operations during the 15-day Arba’een period, with emergency water tanks installed throughout the city to ensure uninterrupted water supply. 
On electricity, al-Yassari noted that with support from the Iraqi prime minister and the electricity minister, a relief plan comprising 11 projects has been implemented, with 80% now operational.
Arba’een attracts monumental crowds from across the globe annually. Pilgrims undertake a solemn journey on foot to honor Imam Hussein (AS), who was martyred in 680 AD in a pivotal battle against Umayyad forces led by Yazid I. The event remains one of the world’s largest recurring Muslim pilgrimages.