Transport Minister Uraloğlu: We aim to open the “Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme Line” this year
A test run was conducted on the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme Rail System Line in Istanbul. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said following regarding the issue; “After the testing phase, our goal is to put the line into operation by the end of the year. Over 90% of the project has been completed.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu participated in the test run of the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme Rail System project in Istanbul. Uraloğlu announced that after the testing phase, their target was to operationalize the line by the end of the year.
THERE WILL BE 8 STATIONS
Uraloğlu shared the following information, stating that the 8.3-kilometer line between Sirkeci and Kazlıçeşme, which was previously idle, had been reopened for use after necessary improvements:
“In this project, there will be 7 kilometers of bicycle and pedestrian paths, a 10,120-square-meter square and recreation area, a 6,000-square-meter indoor social and cultural area, 74,000 square meters of new green space, and 22 underpasses for vehicle and pedestrian crossings. The project includes 4 historically significant stations: Yedikule, Kocamustafapaşa, Yenikapı, and Kumkapı. Additionally, there are 2 stations to be renewed: Sirkeci and Cankurtaran, as well as 2 new stations at Kazlıçeşme and Cerrahpaşa.”
BIKE PATHS AND REST AREAS WILL BE INCLUDED
He also stated that within the 215,000-square-meter work area, when the project was completed, one direction of the railway line would be used by trains, while the other direction would be organized as a pedestrian walkway, bicycle and scooter track, relaxation and recreation areas. He noted that out of the previously used land solely for the railway, 123,000 square meters, or 57%, would be open for citizens to use as pedestrians.
The Minister continued as follows;
“Thus, we will provide the people of Istanbul with a large green area in the heart of the city. In addition, the platform areas of the stations will be designed accordingly, with half being for train arrival and departure, and the other half for relaxation and social activities. In our project, we are creating rail systems, pedestrian and micro-mobility vehicle areas, as well as social activity spaces. At the same time, we are rehabilitating pedestrian and road underpasses, which have suffered from chronic traffic and security issues for years. Within our project, we are restoring the registered historical stops under the supervision of art historians and architects, in line with the decisions of the relevant board.”
“WE HAVE ACHIEVED OVER 90% PROGRESS IN THE PROJECT”
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Uraloğlu stated that they anticipate the average travel time on the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme rail system line to be between 20-25 minutes. He said:
“At the moment, we have achieved over 90% physical progress in the project. We have completed all infrastructure works. We have finished construction works at the stations and are continuing with electrical and mechanical works. We have also completed work on the 26 art structures. We have finished the main railway and electrification works on the main route. The signaling system we have used in the project is domestic and national. Construction of the bicycle-pedestrian path and landscaping is also ongoing. Today, we are pleased to conduct the test run of the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme line for the first time. After the testing phase, our goal is to open the line by the end of the year. Upon completion of our project, the economic gain between 2023 and 2053 is estimated to be approximately 800 million euros.”
