Mega Project to Ease Istanbul Traffic: 127 km High-Speed Rail Line
Istanbul, February 27, 2026 – A monumental project aimed at providing significant relief to Istanbul’s perpetually congested traffic has officially commenced. With a colossal investment of 6.75 billion dollars, a new 127-kilometer high-speed railway line is set to be constructed between Çayırova and Çatalca.
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Launches “Northern Railway Crossing”
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has initiated the “Northern Railway Crossing” project, poised to transform Istanbul’s transportation landscape. This ambitious endeavor will be realized with the substantial support of the World Bank and other prominent international financial institutions, effectively connecting the two distant ends of Istanbul with modern rail infrastructure.
Seamless Northern Corridor Transportation
As part of this comprehensive project, a brand-new 127-kilometer railway line will be laid between Çayırova, located on the border of Kocaeli, and Çatalca, situated in the western part of Istanbul. This innovative line will enable both passengers and freight to travel much faster and more comfortably by utilizing Istanbul’s northern corridor, bypassing the dense urban core.
Speed and Advanced Technology Combined
The new railway line will adhere to contemporary “high-speed train” standards, allowing trains to reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art signaling and electrical systems, ensuring optimal safety and efficiency. Upon its completion, the project is expected to lead to a significant reduction in both urban and intercity travel times, enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the region.
Substantial Support from the World Bank
This project, one of Turkey’s largest investments in recent times, boasts an allocated budget of approximately 6.75 billion dollars. A substantial portion of this funding will be sourced through loans provided by the World Bank and other international financial institutions, underscoring the global recognition of the project’s importance and potential impact.
Tender Processes Underway
The Ministry has extended invitations to experienced firms worldwide to participate in the tender processes for the construction and supervision of the project. The tender proceedings will be conducted transparently, adhering strictly to international regulations and standards. Beyond its infrastructural benefits, the project is also designed to yield significant social advantages, particularly through its commitment to supporting female employment during the operational phase.
This transformative railway initiative is anticipated to bring about a new era of efficiency and convenience for Istanbul’s residents and businesses, significantly easing the burden of traffic and fostering sustainable urban development.
Source: https://bigpara.hurriyet.com.tr/haberler/genel-haberler/istanbul-trafigini-rahatlatacak-hamle-127-kilometrelik-yeni-hat-geliyor_ID1625364/
