The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending EUR 40.5 million to the Greater Municipality of Antalya for the construction of an 11 km light railway line in the city.
The EIB funds will finance the construction of the first section of Antalya’s rail-based urban transit system consisting of a total 43 km network forming part of the Antalya Transport Master Plan. With 16 stops, the new section will link the north-western parts of the city to the centre along the main dual carriageway (Antalya Boulevard), serving residential districts, the main bus station and areas of the city with employment opportunities. The line will continue to the Old Town pedestrian area providing an interchange with the existing 5 km-long tourist tramway. The route will then turn towards the airport and terminate at a temporary terminus and modal interchange at Meydan.
The new train line will have positive implications in terms of increased quality of urban life, protection of the environment, and improved transport safety and public mobility. It will partly replace the transport currently provided by numerous buses, mini-buses and taxis, so contributing to the alleviation of existing and future traffic congestion.
This loan is the second EIB operation in the City of Antalya. In 1995 the Bank granted EUR 35 million to the Antalya Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, which was used for successful implementation of the Antalya sewerage project.
Background
The priority of the EIB, the European Union’s financing institution, is to contribute to the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of the Member States. Outside the Union, the EIB implements the financial components of agreements concluded under European development aid and cooperation policies.