Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayors Serra Bucak and Doğan Hatun paid a visit to İlbank General Manager Eyüp Karahan as part of their engagements in Ankara. The meeting focused on the Light Rail System Project and the financing and technical infrastructure of AKOM.

As part of their programme in Ankara, Co-Mayors Serra Bucak and Doğan Hatun visited Mr Eyüp Karahan, General Manager of İlbank, at his office. The visit was also attended by Erdal Balsak, Head of the Rail Systems Department. The meeting addressed projects aimed at strengthening Diyarbakır’s transport and disaster-management infrastructure.

During the visit, comprehensive consultations were held with İlbank General Manager Eyüp Karahan and accompanying executives regarding the Light Rail System Project and the establishment of the Disaster Coordination Centre (AKOM). The technical, financial and institutional dimensions of the projects were reviewed in detail.

Tram project on the table

In discussions on the planned tram project in Diyarbakır, the parties considered designating İlbank as the single counterpart for financing processes.

It was assessed that construction works under the project should be completed in one go, while tram vehicle procurement would be carried out in phases. The agenda also included relocation and diversion works required along the route where the tram line will pass, as well as talks to be held with relevant stakeholders.

An investment in a Solar Power Plant (SPP) to meet the tram system’s energy needs was also among the items discussed. It was stated that the aim is to ensure the project is environmentally friendly and sustainable through the use of renewable energy.

External financing options assessed for AKOM

The meeting also included assessments on establishing a Disaster Coordination Centre (AKOM) in Diyarbakır in line with increased needs after the earthquake. External financing opportunities for the centre’s IT infrastructure and technical equipment were discussed.

It was noted that AKOM could be planned to function not only during disasters but also in areas such as traffic control and transport coordination. The aim is thus to strengthen the city’s crisis-management capacity.

‘Sustainable transport and strong disaster management’

Following the meeting, it was underlined that the tram project would bring significant added value to Diyarbakır, ease urban transport and strengthen a sustainable transport infrastructure. It was also stated that AKOM would enhance the city’s preparedness and response capacity against possible disasters.

Co-Mayors Serra Bucak and Doğan Hatun said that this visit, carried out as part of their engagements in Ankara, is an important step towards Diyarbakır’s long-term transport and disaster-management goals.