Beyoğlu - Kasımpaşa Tunnel

Constructed to address Istanbul’s severe traffic congestion, the Beyoğlu–Kasımpaşa Tunnel was opened to service on 27 November 2018. This project, carried out by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, aims to facilitate transportation between the Beyoğlu and Kasımpaşa districts. Tunnel alleviates traffic load between Sütlüce and Kasımpaşa while also contributing to the tourist and economic activity around the Golden Horn and Galata.

• Total length: 6,507 metres
• Length of twin-tube tunnel: 2,550 metres (1,316 m + 1,234 m)
• Connecting roads: 3,817 metres
• Open-close tunnel length: 140 metres
• Main bore length: 3,100 metres

The Beyoğlu–Kasımpaşa Tunnel is a infrastructure project that strengthens connectivity between the 1. Environment Road and the areas of Kasımpaşa and Karaköy. The current road, which handles approximately 4,000 vehicles daily, has been expanded to a capacity of 40,000 vehicles per day following the tunnel’s opening.

• The tunnel facilitates access to the 1. Çevre Yolu for vehicles coming from Taksim, Şişhane, Galata, Karaköy and Unkapanı.
• It provides an alternative route, reducing traffic congestion on Piyalepaşa Boulevard.
• It shortens travel times by relieving traffic bottlenecks in the region.

• It enhances tourist activity in the Golden Horn and Galata areas, thereby supporting the regional economy.
• It improves the safety and regularity of transportation along the Hasköy–Kasımpaşa route, aiding in the preservation of cultural heritage sites such as the Aynalıkavak Pavilion, historic buildings and cemeteries.

• It reduces air pollution in the region by diverting vehicle traffic into the tunnel.
• It contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering exhaust emissions.

The tunnel’s opening ceremony was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, then Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Transport Ahmet Arslan and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mevlüt Uysal. During the ceremony, emphasis was placed on the importance of investments in Istanbul’s transportation infrastructure.

The tunnel, constructed as part of this project, was developed to improve regional connectivity, regulate intra-city traffic and support commercial activities in the area. Since its opening, it has become one of Istanbul’s key urban transportation arteries.

Based on reports prepared after the tunnel’s construction, the Beyoğlu–Kasımpaşa Tunnel is recognized as an infrastructure project that eases traffic flow in Istanbul, supports tourism and promotes regional development. Particularly integrated into the city’s transportation system through its connections to the 1. Çevre Yolu and Taksim, it has significantly reduced congestion in the Golden Horn region important. Considering its acceleration of regional mobility, environmental benefits and contributions to tourism, it is regarded as one of Istanbul’s most significant urban projects.