Rail Systems Projects
Marmaray
Marmaray
An urban railway connecting Asia and Europe beneath the sea
Istanbul, railway line running from Gebze to Halkalı
Marmaray
General Information
Location
Istanbul, railway line running from Gebze to Halkalı
Employer
Ulaştırma ve Altyapı Bakanlığı / Alt Yapı Yatırımları Genel Müdürlüğü
Project Scale
Three lines over 43 km
Infrastructure Components
26 stations312 km of trackStation and depot sites in Halkalı, Maltepe and Pendik
Function
A railway connecting the Asian and European sides underground
Key Feature
Türkiye's largest urban rail integration, with high speed train connections
Connecting Asia and Europe beneath the sea, Marmaray marks a turning point in Istanbul's transport history.
Technologies and Innovations Used
Integrated with high speed operation, Marmaray extended the Ankara Istanbul high speed line to Halkalı, linking intercity and urban rail. Electrification, automatic controls and intelligent signaling ensure uninterrupted service.
Project Stages and Solutions
Construction Stages
01
Construction of 23 stations in total on the European and Asian sides
02
Completion of three lines over 43 km
03
Electromechanical systems and high speed train integration
Sustainability
Economic and Social Impact
It serves millions daily through uninterrupted transport between Istanbul's two sides.
Reducing Gebze Halkalı travel to 115 minutes saves time and fuel.
It strengthened Türkiye's strategic role in international railway corridors.
Sustainability and Environmental Sensitivity
Construction Period
Excavated materials were used in a controlled manner under excavation management, minimizing environmental impacts.
Site measures reduced noise and vibration, with regular measurements in densely populated areas.
Local materials and procurement reduced logistical carbon emissions.
An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) meeting international environmental standards was applied during construction.
Operational Period
Reduced carbon emissions by easing road and maritime traffic
Electric trainsets achieved energy efficiency and an environmentally friendly transport model.
Less private car use reduced traffic congestion and noise pollution.
High speed connections strengthened Istanbul's integration with international rail networks.
The full 76.6 km line has 43 stations. On land, 24 km was built between Pendik and Ayrılık Çeşmesi on the Asian Side and 19 km between Halkalı and Kazlıçeşme on the European Side.
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