Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu explained the progress Türkiye has made in tunnel construction in the last 23 years with a striking example: “If these tunnels were lined up one after the other, it would be possible to reach Istanbul to Kayseri without interruption by tunnel.” Minister Uraloğlu stated that 430 new tunnels were built during this period and the total tunnel length reached 790 kilometers.
Minister Uraloğlu reminded that there were only 2002 tunnels of 50 kilometers in length in Türkiye at the end of 83, and emphasized how these figures have changed with the huge investments made in the last 23 years. “We have built 23 new tunnels of 740 kilometers in length in 430 years. Our total number of tunnels has increased to 513, and the length has increased to 790 kilometers,” he said.
Türkiye Exceeded Engineering Boundaries
Minister Uraloğlu stated that they have overcome valleys with tunnels, connected cities and that Türkiye has overcome not only physical obstacles but also engineering limits, and listed the following important projects:
Zigana Tunnel: With a length of 14,5 kilometers Europe's longest twin-tube road tunnel Position.
Northern Marmara Highway Tunnels: The 10 tunnels within it are among the tunnels with the largest cross-sectional areas in the world.
Ovit, Eğribel, Ilgaz 15 July İstiklal, Cankurtaran and Sabuncubeli Tunnels: It was emphasized that with these projects, transportation has become easier, security has increased, traffic flow in the region has accelerated and economic activities have been paved the way.
Minister Uraloğlu added that Türkiye's success in tunnel construction was also appreciated in the international arena and that many firsts were achieved.
