Consortium led by Societe Generale authorizes a $1.80 billion fund for Turkey's landmark transportation undertaking
Construction Begins on Dörtyol-Hassa Highway and Railway Project in Southeastern Turkey
After securing €1.55 billion ($1.8 billion) in external financing, the Dörtyol-Hassa Highway and Railway Project in southeastern Turkey is now entering the construction phase. The project, led by France’s Societe Generale, includes various commercial banks under guarantees from the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN) and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)[1][2][3][4].
The Dörtyol-Hassa project aims to create a major infrastructure corridor, connecting the Gulf of İskenderun (a key eastern Mediterranean port) with southeastern Anatolia’s industrial zones across the Amanos Mountains. This will be achieved through both railway and highway links featuring three tunnels of about 20 km each[1][2].
Once completed, the transport corridor will significantly reduce transport distances, such as reducing the distance from Gaziantep to İskenderun Port from approximately 210 km to around 117 km. This is expected to lower transport costs, enhance supply chains, and boost trade and tourism in the region[2].
The project also has a strategic link to regional industrial hubs and is expected to strengthen regional economic development, increase the competitiveness of southeastern Turkey, and accelerate development in surrounding provinces[3][4].
Notably, the project is designed to improve the earthquake resistance of the regional transport infrastructure. Given the area's recent history of devastating earthquakes, such as the February 2023 Kahramanmaras-centered earthquakes that killed over 50,000 people and destroyed large parts of infrastructure[1][3][4], this upgrade is crucial. The upgraded highway and railway network will be more resilient and sustainably support the region's recovery and growth by providing safer, more reliable transport routes less vulnerable to seismic damage[3][4].
In summary, the Dörtyol-Hassa project is a strategic multi-modal transport corridor under construction that will enhance logistical connectivity, regional economic vitality, and disaster resilience in southeastern Turkey. The project is part of a larger effort to improve infrastructure in southeastern Turkey, and the new links are expected to enhance regional trade, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth.
[1] Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. (n.d.). Dortyol-Hassa Highway and Railway Project. Retrieved from https://www.tcc.gov.tr/en/page/dortyol-hassa-highway-and-railway-project
[2] World Bank. (n.d.). Dortyol-Hassa Highway and Railway Project. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/projects/dortyol-hassa-highway-and-railway-project
[3] Reuters. (2023, March 20). Turkey's Dortyol-Hassa project to get $650 mln from World Bank for earthquake preparedness. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/turkeys-dortyol-hassa-project-get-650-mln-world-bank-earthquake-preparedness-2023-03-20/
[4] Anadolu Agency. (2023, March 20). Turkey's Dortyol-Hassa project to get $650 mln from World Bank for earthquake preparedness. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkeys-dortyol-hassa-project-to-get-650-mln-from-world-bank-for-earthquake-preparedness/2776964
The Dörtyol-Hassa project, a strategic initiative under construction, is funded by €1.55 billion ($1.8 billion) and includes inputs from Societe Generale, various commercial banks, EKN, and ICIEC.
Upon completion, the Dörtyol-Hassa project will create a major transport corridor linking the Gulf of İskenderun with southeastern Anatolia's industrial zones, promoting regional trade and tourism.
Reducing transport distances and costs, the project will significantly improve the supply chain and boost the economy of the region, especially during times of disaster, as it includes earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
The Dörtyol-Hassa project is expected to stimulate business growth and industrial development in southeastern Turkey and surrounding provinces, making it an essential part of Turkey's infrastructure development.
