The overground rail service connecting Sirkeci to Kazlıçeşme has started yesterday.

The railway line between Sirkeci and Kazlıçeşme which had been closed for passenger traffic as Marmaray project started has now restarted after completion of engineering works.

The engineering works on Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme line had started on 2021. Based on this new project, one of the two lines was cancelled and 7.3 km long pedestrian/bike road was build instead. One new station at Cerrahpasa was built. 7 stations were renewed including 4 historical stations and 2 new platforms next to Marmaray stations.

Travel time on this line is 20 minutes. Trains will be free during first 15 days. Trains will connect the outer coast line of Old İstanbul to Marmaray with connections to Marmaray at Sirkeci, Yenikapı and Kazlıçeşme.

As project is commissioned, touristic trains like Orient Express and international trains like Sofia Express can arrive at Sirkeci, but no official statement about this yet.

The project provides a new solution for freight trains as well. After Haydarpaşa project and ferry ports are completed, the freight trains that are not allowed at Marmaray tunnel will be able to cross Bosphorus between Europe and Asia. Currently trains carrying dangerous or oversize goods are not allowed at Marmaray.

Cover photo: Ministry of Transport ©