great istanbul tunnel to link europe and asia by 2028
- The Great Istanbul Tunnel will cross the Bosphorus River, linking Europe and Asia.
- It's designed for 1.3 million daily passengers and features two road levels and one rail level.
- This project is crucial to meet future transport demands and alleviate projected congestion in Istanbul.
In Turkey, a monumental infrastructure project is set to change transportation dynamics by 2028. The Great Istanbul Tunnel, a 6.5 km multi-purpose underwater tunnel, will connect Europe and Asia beneath the Bosphorus River. Announced by Türkiye's Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu on May 10, this project aims to support an unprecedented daily passenger capacity of 1.3 million upon completion. The need for this project stems from forecasts predicting future daily crossings of the Bosphorus to rise beyond 3 million, reflecting growing demographic pressures and transportation needs in Istanbul. The tunnel will feature a unique design with three levels: two dedicated to road traffic and one for a rail system. This innovative approach aims to improve traffic flow and provide an efficient transportation alternative for the over 2 million crossings currently recorded daily. The rail component of the tunnel will complement Istanbul's extensive transportation network, featuring 13 stations and connecting with 11 other railways, significantly enhancing urban mobility. As such, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel times across the Bosphorus to just over 40 minutes, which will help alleviate congestion on current transport routes. One of the most notable aspects of the project is its engineering challenges and the machinery employed. The Great Istanbul Tunnel is being excavated using one of the largest tunnel boring machines (TBM) in the world, measuring 83 meters in length and 20 meters in width. Such technological tools will help ensure the project meets its ambitious timeline and safety standards, necessary given the complexities of underwater construction. Furthermore, the Turkish government is keenly aware of the transformative potential of the Great Istanbul Tunnel for both citizens and the economy. By increasing connectivity between Europe and Asia, the tunnel will not only facilitate easier travel for daily commuters but is also seen as a pivotal factor in boosting economic activities and tourism in the region. The project's completion aligns with broader infrastructural initiatives across Turkey aimed at modernizing transportation frameworks and accommodating the country's increasing urban population.