Istanbul, March 21 – The Halkalı-Istanbul Airport-Gayrettepe Metro Line, a project announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2020, is nearing completion and is expected to open this year. This 69-kilometer line is set to become Turkey’s longest and fastest metro ring, promising to significantly reduce travel times across the city.
Construction Nears End on Mega Metro Project
Work on the Halkalı-Istanbul Airport-Gayrettepe Metro Line is in its final stages. Tunnel excavations have been completed, and fine detailing, landscaping, and the installation of electromechanical systems are currently underway at the stations. Following testing and commissioning processes, the line will be opened for service.
Significant Reduction in Travel Times
Upon completion, the new metro line will drastically cut down travel durations:
- Halkalı-Istanbul Airport: Approximately 30 minutes
- Halkalı-Gayrettepe: 57 minutes
- Halkalı-Kağıthane: 54 minutes
- Halkalı-Göktürk: 43 minutes
These reductions are expected to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a more efficient transportation option for Istanbul residents and visitors.
Turkey’s Longest and Fastest Metro Line
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, told SABAH that work is continuing on the Arnavutköy-Halkalı section, and the aim is to fully commission the line this year after the certification process. Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that Turkey has become a country capable of building high-speed train factories, developing their technology, managing production processes with its own engineering, and manufacturing and testing train sets.
Minister Uraloğlu further stated, “When we complete this section, under the name of the Halkalı-Istanbul Airport-Gayrettepe Metro Project, we will have completed a 69-kilometer ring line that will be Turkey’s longest and fastest, and one of the longest in the world, entirely underground in the metro class.”
Economic and Social Impact
The new metro line is anticipated to have a profound impact on Istanbul’s economy and social life. By connecting key areas of the city, including the Istanbul Airport, it will enhance accessibility for commuters and tourists alike. This infrastructure investment is part of a broader strategy to modernize Istanbul’s public transportation network and support sustainable urban development.
The project highlights Turkey’s growing capabilities in infrastructure development and engineering. The construction of such a large-scale underground metro system requires advanced technical expertise and significant coordination, demonstrating the country’s commitment to improving its urban infrastructure.
The successful completion and opening of this metro line will not only provide a tangible benefit to daily commuters but also serve as a symbol of Istanbul’s continuous growth and modernization. It is expected to further solidify Istanbul’s position as a major global hub, offering world-class transportation facilities.
Source: https://www.sabah.com.tr/yasam/metropol-istanbula-mega-metro-7547260
