Türkiye has officially launched its most extensive and rapid metro line, marking a significant enhancement to Istanbul’s transportation framework. The inauguration of the Halkalı-Arnavutköy segment constitutes the final phase of the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı line, which is pivotal in improving connectivity between the city center and Istanbul’s primary airport.
Completion of a Major Transportation Project
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the launch, emphasizing that this new addition will greatly facilitate travel for millions of residents in Istanbul. The overall length of the fully underground metro line now stretches to an impressive 69 kilometers (approximately 43 miles), featuring a total of 16 strategically positioned stations. “We are integrating our city, one of the world’s largest metropolises, into a comprehensive railway network,” Erdoğan remarked during the ceremony, underscoring the project’s far-reaching impact.
The first segment of the line, which measures 47 kilometers, was gradually opened over recent years. Notably, the section connecting Kağıthane to Istanbul Airport was inaugurated in January 2023, followed by the completion of other sections throughout the following months. This phased approach has allowed for necessary evaluations and adjustments before the entire line’s launch.
A Groundbreaking Achievement in Speed and Connectivity
Notably, the Halkalı-Arnavutköy section features five new stations — Ibn Haldun University, Kayaşehir, Olimpiyatköy, Halkalı Stadium, and Halkalı. The extension is expected to transform daily commutes for approximately 1.5 million residents in the Başakşehir and Küçükçekmece districts, providing them direct access to both the bustling city center and Istanbul Airport.
The metro will operate at remarkable speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (around 75 miles per hour), establishing itself as Türkiye’s fastest metro line. Moreover, it stands out as one of the longest underground metro connections to an airport worldwide. Erdoğan stated that the completion of this extensive project marks it as “one of the longest metro lines not only in Türkiye but in the world,” thus highlighting its global significance.
Enhanced Integration with Existing Transportation Networks
The newly minted route is intricately linked with several major transportation systems. At the Halkalı station, passengers can seamlessly access the Marmaray commuter rail, which operates beneath the Bosporus, as well as high-speed rail services and other metro lines. This extensive connectivity enhances the ease of travel across the city, making it more convenient for residents and visitors alike.
Travel times have significantly decreased with this new line. For instance, journeys between Halkalı and Istanbul Airport are expected to take around 30 minutes, while trips from Halkalı to Gayrettepe will last approximately 57 minutes. This efficiency will undoubtedly relieve congestion on the roads, making daily travel less time-consuming for millions.
Innovative Technology and Economic Impact
The project also employs Türkiye’s first domestically developed railway signaling system produced by the defense electronics firm Aselsan. It will operate on a fully automated, driverless system, with 15 out of the 25 train sets crafted to meet these modern standards. Such technological advancements are indicative of Türkiye’s commitment to modernization in its public transport sector.
Officials anticipate significant economic benefits from the metro line, estimating total savings of approximately 935 million euros (around $1.1 billion) by 2043. These savings are expected to stem from reduced travel time and lower road maintenance costs. Authorities project that alleviating traffic congestion alone could save commuters an estimated 117 million hours over the project’s lifespan, reinforcing the critical value of this transport initiative.