Railway Expansion on Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge to Boost Eurasian Connectivity

ISTANBUL: The railway project on the Third Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, known as the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, part of the Development Road project aimed at connecting Asia to Europe, is attracting significant attention from international lenders, announced Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu.

According to Anadolu Agency, speaking at the International Road Federation (IRF) World Congress 2024 in Istanbul, the Turkish Minister for Transport and Infrastructure highlighted the project’s progress and the interest it has garnered, especially from the World Bank. The IRF World Congress, held from October 15-18 at the Istanbul Congress Center, focused on enhancing global mobility through sustainable and innovative road solutions.

Minister Uraloglu detailed the strategic importance of Turkey in linking the Eastern and Western trade corridors through such infrastructural developments. He underscored ongoing projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Eurasia Tunnel, and the Marmaray rail line, whic
h already facilitate cross-continental connectivity. The Development Road project, set for completion in 2030, aims to extend this connectivity from Iraq’s Grand Faw Port to London.

The project includes the construction of 1,200 kilometers of highway and railway stretching to Turkey, which will form part of a broader 2,094-kilometer railway network planned within the country. Uraloglu revealed plans to commence major construction activities by early 2025.

Highlighting Turkey’s existing 68,494-kilometer road network, the minister expressed optimism about further enhancing the nation’s role as a pivotal transport hub between Asia, Europe, and Africa.