An important stage has been reached in the Northern Metro Line Körfezray Light Rail System project, which was implemented to find a solution to the growing population and increasing traffic problem of Kocaeli. Within the scope of the project, tunnel excavation works of the metro line have started and firstly, approximately 20 meters below the ground was reached in the area between Kocaeli Congress Center and Seka State Hospital in İzmit. It was stated that the excavation works will continue to a depth of 40 meters in total.
Scalpel for Traffic Problem: Körfezray Metro Line
The tender for the Northern Metro Line Körfezray Light Rail System project, which was included in the 2024 investment program by the Presidential Decree with the initiatives of Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Büyükakın, was held in July 2024. The tender, which was carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, was won by EZE Construction Company and the company's field works started in September 2024.
Drilling Works Complete, Hangar Construction Ends
During the 7-month period of the project, drilling operations were carried out at various points in Körfez, Derince, İzmit and Kartepe and these operations are ongoing. In addition to the drilling operations, preparatory excavations to open the tunnel of the metro line in the area between İzmit Yenidoğan Neighborhood, Seka State Hospital and Kocaeli International Congress Center are also progressing rapidly. In the area where a depth of 20 meters has been reached so far, a depth of 20 meters will be reached by digging 40 meters more. In addition, a hangar where materials to be used in the line construction process will be produced and machines will be protected is being built in the region and it was reported that the hangar construction has reached its final stage.
All Stations in Service in 2033
According to the statement by Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, the Northern Metro Line Körfezray Light Rail System project, which will consist of 25 stations, will be constructed in two stages. The first stage will provide service between Petkim-Tüpraş and İzmit East Station and will consist of 19 stations. This stage is planned to be opened in 2028. In the second stage, the Seramik-Yarımca-Atalar Stations before the Petkim-Tüpraş Station and the Özdilek-EXPO-Cengiz Topel Stations after the İzmit East Station will be constructed, and this stage is aimed to be opened in 2033. With the completion and entry into service of the Körfezray Metro Line, it will be the third rail system to enter into service in Kocaeli after the Akçaray Tram Line and the Darıca-Gebze Metro.
