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Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu shared new insights into Türkiye’s flagship Development Road Project, positioning it as a major driver of international trade and regional growth.
The project, with an estimated $23.9 billion investment cost, is expected to deliver an economic impact of nearly $50 billion, according to Uraloglu. “Development Road is not just about transportation; it's about unlocking economic potential across regions,” he said.
Over 60,000 jobs are projected to be created during both the construction and operational phases. Uraloglu emphasized that the project would enhance Türkiye’s strategic role in global trade routes while contributing to regional development.
As part of the Middle Corridor—a key east-west trade route—Development Road integrates green logistics and sustainable infrastructure, with a strong focus on rail transport to reduce carbon emissions.
“We are talking about a trade volume of $75 billion and 6.5 million tons of freight annually. Our goal is to exceed 20 million tons,” Uraloglu noted.
He also highlighted improvements in transit times, saying that journeys which currently take 18 days could be reduced to 15 days, making rail the second fastest mode of transport after air.
Addressing concerns from countries operating existing routes, Uraloglu said Türkiye offers alternative pathways, not rivals.
“Global trade grows by 3 to 5 percent annually. Meeting this demand requires new corridors. Türkiye will continue to lead strategic logistics initiatives,” he affirmed.
The Development Road Project is seen as a cornerstone of Türkiye’s long-term logistics strategy and a major asset in Eurasia’s evolving supply chain landscape.
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