Türkiye has officially completed one of the world’s longest and fastest metro lines, marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. The final segment of the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı metro line was unveiled on Friday, bringing the entire route to a total length of 69 kilometers. This achievement represents the culmination of a multi-year effort to expand Istanbul’s rail transport network and enhance connectivity between the city center and its primary international airport. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was present at the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the project as a symbol of progress and modernization.
The newly opened section spans 22 kilometers and includes five new stations—İbn Haldun University, Kayaşehir, Olimpiyatköy, Halkalı Stadium, and Halkalı. These stations provide direct rail access to approximately 1.5 million residents in the Başakşehir and Küçükçekmece districts, offering them seamless travel options to both the city center and Istanbul Airport. The integration of this line with multiple transportation networks enhances its utility, allowing passengers to transfer easily between different modes of transit. At Halkalı station, travelers can connect to the Marmaray commuter rail system, which runs beneath the Bosporus, as well as high-speed rail services, the Halkalı-Bahçeşehir suburban line, and the Yenikapı-Kirazlı-Halkalı metro line. Additional transfer points include the M3 metro line at Kayaşehir and the M9 line at Olimpiyatköy, with plans for a future M7 extension at Halkalı Stadium.
The completed route operates at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, making it Türkiye’s fastest metro line and one of the longest underground airport metro connections globally. The system employs a fully automated driverless operation, with 15 of the 25 train sets designed for full autonomy. This technological advancement underscores Türkiye’s growing capabilities in domestic manufacturing, particularly highlighted by the use of its first domestically developed railway signaling system, produced by the defense electronics company Aselsan. Such innovations are expected to contribute to improved efficiency and safety along the route.
The project has been built incrementally over the past few years, with earlier sections being launched in stages. The initial 47-kilometer segment was introduced gradually, beginning with the Kağıthane-Istanbul Airport section in late January 2023, followed by the Kağıthane-Gayrettepe portion in late January 2024, and finally the Arnavutköy-Istanbul Airport leg in March of the same year. The completion of the final leg signifies the full realization of the ambitious plan to create a comprehensive and efficient public transport system within Istanbul.
Despite the overall success of the project, recent reports highlight a separate incident involving a derailment on the Kadıköy-Sabiha Gökçen Airport line. A metro train derailed near the Bostancı and Küçükyalı stations, resulting in three injuries. The cause was attributed to a switch malfunction, leading to a power outage and confusion among passengers. While no serious harm was reported, the incident raised concerns about emergency communication systems and passenger safety protocols. Passengers described the experience as chaotic, with limited announcements and prolonged evacuation procedures. This event serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in large-scale urban transit projects, even as they achieve remarkable milestones.
Looking ahead, the government anticipates substantial economic benefits from the completed metro line. It estimates that the project will generate total economic gains of 935 million euros ($1.1 billion) by 2043, primarily through time savings and reduced road maintenance and operational costs. Officials also project that decreased traffic congestion could result in an estimated 117 million hours saved for travelers over the same period. These projections underscore the transformative impact of the new infrastructure on daily life and economic activity in Istanbul.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, the expansion of its rail network reflects broader efforts to address urban mobility challenges and support sustainable development. The successful completion of the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı line stands as a testament to Türkiye’s commitment to modernizing its transportation systems and improving quality of life for its citizens.
3 reports
Daily SabahParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 9814 days agoTürkiye is set to complete its longest and fastest metro line, the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı line, which will extend to 69 kilometers. The final 22-kilometer section, connecting Halkalı to Arnavutköy, includes five new stations and provides direct rail access to Istanbul's city center and airport for approximately 1.5 million residents. The line operates at speeds of up to 120 km/h and integrates with multiple transportation networks.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on infrastructure development without taking a stance on political issues. It focuses on technical details such as the length, speed, and integration of the metro line, providing factual information without apparent bias or ideological framing.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 98): The article accurately reports the event, including details like the 22-km section, the total length of 69 km, and the new stations. It provides specific information about the integration with other transit systems and travel times. No significant inaccuracies or omissions. The tone remains neutral
Daily SabahParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 9514 days ago Türkiye opens final leg of one of world's longest metro routesTurkey completed its longest and fastest metro line with the opening of the final section connecting Halkalı to Arnavutköy, expanding Istanbul's rail network. The project, which totals 69 kilometers, was inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who emphasized its significance for improving transportation for millions of residents. The line includes 16 stations and was developed in phases over several years.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the completion of a metro line without overtly positive or negative language toward any political figure or ideology. It quotes President Erdoğan but does not frame his statements as endorsements or criticisms. The content focuses on infrastructure and,
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 95): The article contains mostly accurate information but omits some specifics from the primary source such as the exact number of stations (mentions 16 rather than listing them). It includes quotes from Erdoğan which were not present in the original document. The tone is slightly more promotional but st
BianetIndependentCenter14 days agoA metro train derailed on the Kadıköy-Sabiha Gökçen Airport line in Istanbul due to a switch malfunction between Bostancı and Küçükyalı stations. Three people were injured in the incident, which occurred around 8:20 PM local time. Passengers reportedly panicked when the lights went out and no announcements were made, leading them to evacuate the train themselves. Some described confusion as they initially walked in one direction before being instructed to return. Firefighters, medical teams, and metro crews arrived at the scene approximately 30 minutes later. Survivors expressed concerns about the lack of communication during the emergency and called for improved safety systems.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a transportation incident involving a metro derailment, focusing on the event itself, passenger experiences, and calls for improved safety systems. There is no explicit political framing, ideological language, or emphasis on political actors or policies. The content remains on
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
TR
