Great News for Beykoz and Kavacik: Metro is on the Way
Official titleDecision on Amending the Decision Regarding the Determination of Conditions Concerning the Undertaking, Transfer, and Post-Completion Transfer of Urban Rail Transport Systems, Metros, and Related Facilities by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (Decision Number: 11628)
It has been decided that the construction and completion processes of the "Ümraniye-Kavacık-Beykoz Rail System Line" project in Istanbul shall be undertaken by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
Details of the Regulation
With the Presidential Decision dated 17 August 2026 and numbered 11628, a significant amendment has been made to the principal decision regarding the undertaking of urban rail transport systems by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. Within the scope of the Decision, the "Rail System Line Between Ümraniye, Kavacık, Beykoz" project, which will significantly affect the transportation network on the Asian side of Istanbul, has been officially included in the list of projects to be undertaken by the Ministry. This regulation has been carried out by adding a new sub-paragraph to additional article 1 of the principles that entered into force with the Council of Ministers Decision dated 2010 and numbered 2010/1115. Thus, the construction, transfer, and completion processes of the relevant line have passed from the local administration (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) to the responsibility of the Ministry. After the metro line in question is completed, it shall be transferred to the relevant local administration within the framework of the specified conditions. The Decision entered into force as of 18 August 2026, its date of publication.
Questions You Might Have
- How will this decision affect Istanbul traffic?
- By ensuring the integration of regions with relatively limited public transportation alternatives and proximity to bridge traffic, such as Beykoz and Kavacık, with the Ümraniye metro, it will significantly reduce highway traffic.
- Who will pay the construction cost?
- The project's production, construction, and completion costs shall be covered directly from the budget of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
- Who will operate the line after it is completed?
- Pursuant to the phrase transfer in the Decision, after the line is finished, it shall be transferred to the local administration (IMM) to be operated.
Key Terms
- Müteakip
- Subsequent to, following an event or a transaction.
- Üstlenilme
- The acceptance of the responsibility, construction, and cost of a project or task by the relevant authority.
- Kanun Hükmünde Kararname (KHK)
- An administrative regulatory act issued with the force of statute by the Council of Ministers (or through Presidential authorization in past periods).
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REGAS Commentary
The transportation problem on Istanbul's northeastern axis (especially in the densely populated Beykoz and Kavacık regions) will be solved through central budget resources. This decision will ensure the faster completion by the state's hands of a metro line of a scale that might exceed the local administration budget. While it means a fast and comfortable transportation opportunity in the long term for citizens living in the region, it will also increase immovable property values along the route.