Construction works at Marmaray, which almost stopped for last 2 years, had restarted, but is progressing very slowly.

The works at Asian side are generally limited with widening and building wall. Works started at Kiziltoprak, Goztepe, Suadiye, Bostanci, Kartal. Preparation for reconstruction of station is seen at Idealtepe.

Marmaray project

In European side, works started at Bakirkoy and Yesilkoy stations. Widening works are seen between Bakirkoy and Atakoy.

The unusual thing about construction works is that they are being done with limited staff and equipment, and proceed slowly.

To-do list of 2nd phase of Marmaray can be summarized as follows:

• Widening works
• Building wall at sides
• Reconstruction of over/underpasses
• Renewal/reconstruction of stations
• Laying three main tracks and additional tracks at stations
• Electrification and signalization

Widening, building wall and over/underpasses are being done although these proceed very slowly. Construction works at some stations just started. Track laying, electrification and signalization works can only start after other works completed.

Although a big amount was allocated in the budget for Marmaray, it’s not known why engineering works progress so slowly.

Marmaray got the fund

After opening of 1st phase (Bosphorus tunnel) in 2013, 2nd phase (reconstruction of 63-km-long overland lines) started, but nothing had been done in last 2 years. At the end of last year, problems solved with the contractor (OHL), and deadline was announced as end of 2017.

Frequently asked questions about Marmaray project

Cover Photo: Onur Uysal ©