TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IS STRENGTHENING: DIYARBAKIR-BISMI-BATMAN ROAD OPENED TO SERVICE
On March 5, 2024, an opening ceremony for the Diyarbakır-Bismil-Batman Road was held in Diyarbakır, the ancient city known as the cradle of history, culture, and civilizations in Türkiye. This event marked a significant contribution to the transportation infrastructure of the region. The ceremony, attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and Director General of Highways Ahmet Gülşen, along with officials from public institutions, representatives from companies, and local residents, emphasized the importance of the new road for the region.
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized during the opening ceremony that with projects implemented throughout Türkiye, the transportation infrastructure of cities continues to be strengthened. He underscored that highways, with their flexibility in both freight and passenger transportation, are the most dynamic mode of transportation. He highlighted that projects are being implemented tirelessly across all corners of Türkiye, regardless of whether they are in the east, west, north, or south, and irrespective of whether they are in villages, towns, or metropolitan areas.
Diyarbakır's transportation and communication infrastructure has received an investment of 57 billion 652 million Turkish Lira.
The Minister emphasized the significance of the investments in Diyarbakır, stating that with the activation of the Southeastern Anatolia Project, Diyarbakır has assumed a pioneering role in agriculture and industry. He also noted that due to its geographical location allowing easy access to commercial centers and its historical texture, Diyarbakır's tourism potential has been increasing steadily.
Since 2002, a total investment of 57 billion 652 million Turkish lira has been made in the transportation and communication infrastructure of Diyarbakır," said the Minister. He added that "We have increased the length of divided roads from 44 kilometers to 456 kilometers, and the length of bituminous hot mix asphalt roads from 2 kilometers to 285 kilometers. We have completed significant highway projects such as the Diyarbakır-Mardin Road, Diyarbakır-Şanlıurfa Road, Diyarbakır-Silvan Road, Northwest and Southwest Beltways, Airport Connection Road, Diyarbakır-Ergani Road Bridges and Interchanges, and Bridge Interchanges in Diyarbakır City Pass. We have constructed 97 bridges with a total length of 9,852 meters. We have also carried out the restoration of historical bridges such as Malabadi, Eğil, Eğil Sancak, Dicle Ongözlü, Çüngüş, Dörtulular, and Dilaver. Currently, we are continuing with 12 separate highway projects with a total project cost of 15 billion 618 million Turkish lira.".
The transportation network of Diyarbakır has taken another step forward.
The Minister emphasized that the opening of the Diyarbakır-Bismil-Batman Road is also a significant step towards strengthening the transportation network in the region. He noted that the 66-kilometer route passing through Bismil plain, where an average of 11,000 vehicles travel daily, particularly sees a significant increase in traffic during periods of intense agricultural activity. Additionally, he mentioned that the opening of the Diyarbakır-Bismil-Batman Road would result in an annual saving of 57 million lira and a reduction of 3,000 tons in carbon emissions from vehicles that harm the environment.
The Minister also provided details about the ongoing projects in Diyarbakır during his speech. He mentioned that infrastructure works for the connection and urban roads of the Earthquake Houses in the Bağlar district are ongoing. Additionally, he added that construction works for the Different Level Interchange, which will provide access to the 25.9-kilometer Diyarbakır-Şanlıurfa road, are aimed to complete a 7.3-kilometer section by the end of March.
"Investments are being implemented to respond to the growing structure of the city"
Speaking at the ceremony, Director General Gülşen stated that an important milestone had been reached in the conversion of the Diyarbakır-Bismil-Batman Road to hot asphalt, indicating that the completed section is part of a comprehensive project aimed at improving the transportation comfort of the local community.
The Director General highlighted that as part of investments aimed at enhancing road transportation comfort in Diyarbakır and addressing the city's growing infrastructure needs, the transportation standard of the 66-kilometer-long Diyarbakır-Bismil-Batman Road is being upgraded. He mentioned that with the 14.6 kilometers section now open to service, a total of 53.6 kilometers of the road has been converted to hot asphalt pavement.
"We prioritize road investments that enhance sustainability and add value"
The Director General concluded his speech with the following words: "As the Directorate General of Highways, we prioritize and implement road investments that enhance the sustainability and value-added of our production centers, recognizing that regions excelling in swiftly and cost-effectively delivering goods and services to markets gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, this project contributes to our institution's goal of converting the country's road network into bituminous hot mix coated surfaces."
