Istanbul, Turkey (Metro Rail Today): The Istanbul Airport Metro project reached a significant milestone as the first locally manufactured train rolled off the production line at the CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co., Ltd. plant in Turkey. This marks the inaugural instance of a Chinese overseas company producing an autonomous metro train with a speed capability of 120 km/h, achieving the status of Turkey's "fastest metro train" through successful localized manufacturing.
The trains for the Istanbul Airport Metro project developed and crafted by CRRC Zhuzhou, incorporate cutting-edge autonomous driving technology. These trains boast a high level of intelligence, prioritizing safety and comfort for passengers. Specifically designed to meet operational demands such as long-distance travel, navigating large ramps, and accommodating a substantial volume of passengers, these autonomous metro trains are set to elevate the transportation experience on the airport metro line.
The (M11) Gayrettepe - Istanbul Airport metro commenced operations between Kağıthane and Istanbul Airport on January 22, 2023, with stops at eight stations. The inauguration of the Gayrettepe station on January 29, 2024, marked a significant achievement, establishing the city's first connection to the metro lines.
With the integration of the Mahmutbey metro line, the Istanbul Airport Metro project aims to provide direct, safe, fast, and affordable access to the global transfer hub, Istanbul Airport. This strategic network expansion is poised to redefine the commuting experience for passengers traveling within Istanbul.
The Istanbul Airport Metro project signifies a remarkable leap in the city's transportation infrastructure, combining state-of-the-art technology with localized manufacturing to offer an efficient and advanced metro system.