Turkey: AYGM awards Trabzon light rail Phase 1 to Kalyon–Makyol for TL33.3bn

According to Railway Gazette International on 27 July 2026, Turkey’s transport infrastructure investment agency AYGM has awarded a joint venture of construction groups Kalyon and Makyol a TL33.3bn contract to build the first phase of the Trabzon light rail project.

Railway Gazette reported that there were seven other bids, and that the contract covers construction works plus installation and commissioning of all electromechanical systems. Main works are expected to start this year for opening in 2029–30.

As described by Railway Gazette, Phase 1 will run 16.5 km from a motorway interchange in the west to the airport in the east via the stadium, hospital, Karadeniz University and the city centre, with 16 stops including eight underground. The route includes about 13 km of NATM tunnel, 1.1 km of cut-and-cover and 658 m of viaducts, plus a maintenance depot.

Railway Gazette said the line is to be operated by nine two-car trainsets and is expected to carry around 180,000 passengers a day at 5½-minute intervals. The project was originally developed by Trabzon Municipality and later transferred to AYGM; Railway Gazette noted a 2024 feasibility study award to Yuksel Proje and inclusion in Turkey’s 2026 investment programme with a budget of TL43.3bn. Phase 2 would extend the line to around 32 km with 31 stops.