Turkey to Tender Istanbul North Railway Crossing in 2025

Turkey is preparing to launch a transformative transport project for its largest city. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the Istanbul North Railway Crossing Project will go to tender later this year. The new line, designed for high-capacity freight transport, aims to reduce the heavy burden currently placed on Marmaray while boosting Istanbul’s role as a logistics hub bridging Europe and Asia.

Marmaray Relief, Stronger Trade Links

The project is expected to significantly ease congestion on Marmaray, which currently handles both commuter and freight traffic. By diverting cargo transport to the new northern corridor, passenger services could operate more smoothly, while Turkey strengthens its position as a key artery in Eurasian logistics.

Middle Corridor and Eurasia Vision

Speaking at a forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Minister Uraloğlu underscored the rising importance of the Middle Corridor in global trade. He noted that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the climate crisis have amplified the strategic value of alternative routes connecting China to Europe.

According to Uraloğlu, the Middle Corridor offers the shortest land link from China to Europe, with the potential to save billions of dollars in transport costs. Citing World Bank data, he highlighted that China-EU trade is projected to grow by 30% by 2030, placing Turkey at the center of this growth as a “natural bridge.”

Zengezur Railway Connection Expands Reach

The minister also emphasized another strategic project—the Zengezur Railway Line, built through cooperation between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. The line’s 224-kilometer Turkish segment will connect the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, opening a new corridor for freight flows.

According to Uraloğlu, both the Istanbul North Railway and the Zengezur Line are pillars of a broader “Greater Eurasia” vision, which is not only about transportation infrastructure but also about fostering regional peace and cooperation.

Strategic Implications

The Istanbul North Railway Crossing marks a shift in how Turkey intends to manage its dual role as a domestic transport backbone and international trade hub. By easing Marmaray’s load, enabling faster cargo movement, and reinforcing Turkey’s position in Eurasian connectivity, the project reflects Ankara’s ambition to anchor itself in the future of global trade corridors.