Istanbul, 12 February 2026

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) have signed a €110 million loan agreement to support the completion of the Ümraniye–Ataşehir–Göztepe Metro Line. The project represents a critical urban transport investment serving one of the most densely populated areas of Istanbul.

The Ümraniye–Ataşehir–Göztepe Metro Line will connect major residential areas, business centres and healthcare facilities. The line will also provide direct access to the rapidly developing Istanbul Financial Centre, significantly strengthening transport connectivity on Istanbul’s Asian side.

Upon completion of the project, a fast and low-carbon alternative to private vehicle use will be provided, traffic congestion will be reduced, travel times will be shortened, economic productivity and overall quality of urban life will be enhanced.

The operation will also contribute to strengthening the country’s human capital development through targeted outreach initiatives aimed at women, youth, people with disabilities and residents of underserved districts.

IMM has set a target for launching an on-the-job training programme that will enable 200 young people to gain hands-on experience in sustainable transport. These efforts build on the successful training of 400 young women to date, supporting their entry into high-demand green transport professions and fostering greater inclusion in the sector.

The financing provided by the EBRD builds on the Bank’s continued support to the IMM for sustainable and environmentally friendly urban transport investments and aims to contribute to Istanbul’s green transition and urban resilience objectives.