“Bakırköy Sahil-Kayaşehir Merkez Metro Hattı” it’s quite a mouthful isn’t it? This is the official name of the M3. Today we are exploring this essential artery of Istanbul’s transportation network.
The M3 is a 26.7-kilometer rapid transit line. It boasts 19 stations that connect the European side of Istanbul. Think of it as a light blue vein on the city’s transit map.
Its construction began in 2006. By March 2009 the tunnels were already complete. The first test run occurred in December 2010. Finally, the M3 officially opened on June 14, 2013.
The M3 has undergone some changes since its opening. The İkitelli-Olimpiyat branch became the M9 in May 2021. A northern extension to Kayaşehir Merkez opened in April 2023.
Özgürlük Meydanı, Haznedar, İlkyuva, Onurkent, Toplu Konutlar and Kayaşehir Merkez stations were built using a special method. They bored in situ without removing the ground above. Other underground stations used the cut-and-cover method. This involved digging a trench and then covering it. The tunnels themselves are twin tubes. Tunnel boring machines built the Kirazlı-Metrokent and Kirazlı-Bakırköy Sahil sections.
The M3’s operation control center is in MetroKent. The rolling stock and maintenance depots are in Olimpiyatköy. This sprawling area covers 70000 square meters. The depot alone can hold 180 cars.
The French company Alstom provided the rolling stock. Each air-conditioned car cost €1.149 million. The seats are covered in antibacterial fabric. Passengers can move freely between cars. This ensures even distribution of people throughout the train.
Eighty cars form 20 four-car trains. These trains can carry up to 70000 passengers per hour. They operate from 6:00 AM to midnight. A complete trip from Bakırköy Sahil to Kayaşehir Merkez takes only 39 minutes. During rush hour the trains arrive every five minutes.
Safety is a top priority on the M3. All stations have CCTV systems for constant monitoring. High-level fire safety measures are in place. These include automatic extinguishers and fire exits. The materials used are non-flammable and fireproof.
The line receives power from two different points. An emergency power system activates within 15 seconds if both fail. This keeps the trains running to the next station. If the backup generator fails an uninterruptible power source kicks in. It supplies energy for emergency lighting and electronic devices for up to three hours. The train’s signaling and drive-control systems are fully automated. Of course manual operation is possible if needed.
Alstom also built trains for the Budapest Metro. The M3 trains in Istanbul have pantographs for overhead lines. Budapest trains use shoegear for a third rail.
So as you travel on the M3 remember its history. Consider its technical features and appreciate the safety measures in place. It is more than just a metro line it is a vital part of Istanbul.