The Göztepe-Ataşehir-Ümraniye Metro Line is a 13-kilometer, 11-station fully automated rapid transit project developed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM). In late 2022, the project received a critical US$73 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as part of Istanbul’s entry into the flagship EBRD Green Cities Programme. Designed to reduce traffic congestion and decarbonize the city’s transport network, the line connects major north-south transit corridors on the Asian side. As of early 2026, construction has surpassed 88% completion, with full passenger operations targeting late 2026. Once operational, the driverless metro line is expected to serve up to 400,000 passengers daily. This focus on modernizing the city’s transit is matched by larger national initiatives, such as the news that INRAIL has been approved and Türkiye will receive US$2 billion for a new 127km railway line, a massive investment that will further integrate and expand the nation’s high-capacity rail corridors.

Project Overview

Type: Fully automated (driverless) rapid transit metro line

Location: Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey (passing through the Göztepe, Ataşehir, and Ümraniye districts)

Length: 13 kilometers

Number of Stations: 11 stations

Passenger Capacity: Up to 400,000 passengers per day

Funding/Subsidy: US$73 million loan provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in October 2022 (with total project credit exceeding €400 million)

Sustainability Framework: Marks Istanbul’s first project under the EBRD Green Cities Programme, focusing heavily on decarbonization and sustainable urban mobility

Inclusion Initiatives: Features an integrated learning program accommodating 400 young people at the Istanbul Metro Company to promote youth inclusion and gender equality

Current Status: Over 88% complete as of early 2026

Target Opening: Late 2026

Project Team

Owner/Developer: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) / Istanbul Metro Company

Key Financier: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

Published 16th October 2022: A US$ 73M loan has been awarded in support of the implementation of a section of the Istanbul Metro construction project. The loan was awarded to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The latter is a development bank that provides project financing for banks, industries, and businesses.

The US$ 73M loans will particularly go towards the construction work for the Goztepe-Atasehir-Umraniye metro line. The project is said to be a ‘trigger; initiative under the Bank’s Programme that supports city investments in sustainable as well as green solutions. More so, solutions that significantly contribute towards decarbonization. Additionally, the project aims to reduce traffic congestion alongside journey times.

In 2021, Istanbul joined the EBRD Green Cities Programme. Therefore the project’s progress marks a significant milestone for the city. The cities of Gaziantep, Izmir, as well as Ankara, are also active members of the flagship municipal Programme. 

Comments on the Istanbul Metro construction project loan

The Sustainable Infrastructure Group Managing Director at the EBRD spoke during the signing ceremony. Nandita Parshad said that she was happy to sign the very first EBRD Green cities project in Istanbul. Impressively, the Istanbul Metro Construction Project promotes gender and inclusion. Through its learning program that includes a total number of 400 young people at the Istanbul Metro Company.

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The Mayor of Istanbul also spoke about the project during the signing ceremony. Ekrem Imamoglu noted that Rail networks play a significant role in the visionary plans for Istanbul. As a result, the Mayor continued, metro lines that are environmentally friendly, fast, and comfortable will receive significant investments. 

Metro line to Istanbul Airport to open in November

The loan for the Istanbul Metro construction project comes just days after the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure revealed that the Kağıthane district to Istanbul Airport metro will open soon. To be precise, Adil Karaismailoğlu said, that 32.5 kilometers of the 37.5 kilometers metro line will open in November this year.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted that the opening of that metro line will be connecting Istanbul Airport with Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The two airports are located on the metropolis’ opposite sides, one on the European side, and the other on the Anatolian.