Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, announced that a 5G auction will take place this year, aiming for nationwide signal coverage by 2026.
“Istanbul Needs 1,004 Kilometers of Rail System”
Uraloğlu highlighted the need for a 1,004-kilometer rail system in Istanbul, stating that metro expansion is crucial for solving the city’s traffic problems. He also confirmed that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has no metro projects awaiting approval from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
Speaking at the “Türkiye’s Century in Transport and Infrastructure Summit,” organized in collaboration with Albayrak Media, Uraloğlu answered journalists’ questions on various topics, including transportation, communication, and infrastructure developments over the past 23 years. He revealed that Türkiye has invested approximately 290 billion liras in transport and infrastructure since 2002.
Mega Projects and Türkiye’s Infrastructure Growth
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized Türkiye’s mega projects, mentioning the completion of the North Marmara Highway, including the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. He recalled opposition to these projects at the time but noted that today, 150,000 vehicles use the bridge daily, proving its necessity.
He also highlighted other major projects, including:
- 15 July Martyrs Bridge
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
- Eurasia Tunnel
- Marmaray
Development Road Project to Reduce Freight Transport Time
Addressing the Development Road Project, Uraloğlu explained that freight from the Far East to London currently takes:
- 35 days via the Suez Canal
- 45 days via the Cape of Good Hope
With the Development Road Project, this time will be reduced to 25 days. The route will connect Faw Port in the Persian Gulf to Europe via Kapıkule while also linking the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Aegean regions. Türkiye is working with Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE on this project, with planning and financing stages underway.
Türkiye Supports Syria’s Transport Infrastructure
Uraloğlu confirmed that Türkiye is assisting Syria in transportation and infrastructure, stating that a delegation was sent to Aleppo and Damascus airports for assessments. Turkish Airlines has already started three weekly flights to Syria. The first stage of improvements focuses on radar systems and electronic devices, beginning with Damascus Airport, followed by Aleppo Airport.
Additionally, Türkiye is evaluating Syria’s roads, railways, ports, and communication networks to provide further support.
5G Expansion: Now in Galatasaray and Trabzonspor Stadiums
Türkiye’s 5G expansion plan includes 36 trial locations, with Galatasaray and Trabzonspor stadiums recently added. The minister stressed the importance of local technology development in this process.
TÜRKSAT 6A and Türkiye’s Role in Satellite Production
Discussing TÜRKSAT 6A, Uraloğlu highlighted Türkiye’s achievement in local satellite production, stating that Türkiye is now one of 11 satellite manufacturers worldwide. This development will improve TV broadcasting quality and expand satellite coverage from 3.5 billion to 5 billion people.
Social Media Regulations: 16+ Age Limit and AI-Based Verification
Uraloğlu confirmed that all social media platforms in Türkiye now have official representatives. He discussed the upcoming 16+ age restriction for social media, emphasizing its necessity to protect young users from misinformation and online harm.
A study found that 79.4% of families support the 16+ restriction, which will be implemented this year. The age verification system will use artificial intelligence without sharing personal data with social media platforms.
Türkiye’s Expanding Railway Network
Since 2002, Türkiye’s railway network has grown from 11,000 kilometers to approximately 14,000 kilometers. Uraloğlu outlined plans to expand this to 17,500 kilometers by 2028 and 28,500 kilometers by 2053.
A new railway project connecting Samsun to Sarp is also in the planning stage.
Türkiye’s Fiber Infrastructure Growth
Türkiye’s fiber-optic network currently spans 580,000 kilometers, with a goal to reach 800,000 kilometers.
Minister Uraloğlu reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to infrastructure development, ensuring that 5G, railways, and mega projects will continue to shape the country’s future.
Source: Foreks/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök