An AI- and IoT-Enabled intelligent transportation architecture for multimodal corridor Integration: A Port-Centric case study

This study adopts an interdisciplinary socio-technical perspective to examine the transformation potential of the Grand Faw Port within Iraq’s Development Road Corridor by integrating digital architecture, multimodal transport systems, and governance frameworks. While existing smart-port research primarily emphasizes technological innovation, this study addresses the gap between digital infrastructure and the institutional, economic, and policy conditions necessary for effective corridor-scale integration. The research employs a structured methodology combining semi-quantitative benchmarking of leading smart ports, engineering and functional profiling, and conceptual systems modeling. A Digital Maturity Index (DMI) is developed to evaluate transferable smart-port practices and guide the design of a layered digital architecture integrating Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Port Community Systems (PCS), Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), artificial intelligence–based predictive planning, blockchain-enabled documentation, digital twins, and enter-supported transit mechanisms. Beyond its technical contribution, the study emphasizes the importance of governance coordination, institutional capacity, and policy alignment in enabling multimodal integration. The findings indicate that fragmented infrastructure, limited interoperability, and weak institutional coordination represent major barriers to transport efficiency and corridor development in Iraq. The proposed architecture improves operational visibility, predictability, and coordination while supporting reduced logistics costs, enhanced trade efficiency, and more reliable transport flows. The study further highlights the broader socio-economic implications of digital corridor development, including economic diversification, investment attraction, employment generation, and strengthening Iraq’s role as a strategic transit hub connecting Asia and Europe. Overall, the study contributes to interdisciplinary transport research and provides policy-relevant insights for developing countries pursuing digitally integrated and resilient multimodal transport systems.