Turkey lays foundation for Korfezray metro project in Kocaeli's industrial core

In a significant move to improve public transportation and reduce congestion in major cities, the Turkish government is expanding its urban rail systems. This ambitious project, which includes new metro lines, tram expansions, and suburban rail enhancements, will be carried out in Ankara, Istanbul, Samsun, and Konya over the next four years.

One of the most anticipated developments is the Korfezray Metro Line in Kocaeli, Turkey's industrial capital. This project, the largest single investment in Kocaeli's history, was recently broken ground on Saturday. The Korfezray Metro Line, a double line designed to integrate fully with the city's tram, rail, bus, and sea transport networks, will eventually stretch 57 kilometers.

The Korfezray Line will cover 28.5 kilometers (17.7 miles) along Kocaeli's east-west axis, serving the districts of Korfez, Derince, Izmit, and Kartepe with 18 stations. The initial phase of the project is expected to serve 300,000 passengers daily, with this number rising over time.

The construction of the Korfezray Line will utilize six tunnel boring machines, with the tunneling progress depending on ground conditions. On average, approximately 10 meters per day advancement is expected, but if ground conditions improve, tunneling could reach up to 100 meters daily. The Derince Training and Research Hospital-Bus Terminal section of the Korfezray line is scheduled for completion in 2027, with all excavation finished in 2028. The 14-kilometer stretch between the hospital and bus terminal is expected to open in 2028, and the entire line by 2029.

Kocaeli is a hub of economic activity, contributing $119.36 billion to foreign trade in 2024, about 19.7% of the national total. The city accounts for 44% of Turkey's automotive production, 27% of chemical production, and 19% of metal industry output. It is home to 80 companies listed on the ISO 500, including Tupras, Ford, Hyundai, and Sisecam.

The expansion of the urban rail network in Kocaeli is expected to ease traffic, improve the quality of life, and boost the city's economic and socio-cultural development. In addition to the Korfezray Line, four additional lines totaling 76.9 kilometers are planned in Ankara, Istanbul, Samsun, and Konya, further enhancing public transportation infrastructure across the country.

With 89.1 kilometers of urban rail lines currently under construction across six lines in Turkey, it's clear that the future of public transportation in the country is on the rise. The Korfezray Metro Line in Kocaeli is a shining example of this progress, and its completion in 2029 will undoubtedly revolutionise the city's transport system.