C Cudi Mountain Tunnels

The Cudi Mountain Tunnels and Viaducts are one of the transportation projects connecting eastern Türkiye to its western regions. Designed to accelerate and secure connectivity between Şırnak and Cizre, the project also contributes to the economic development of the region. Despite facing terrorist attacks, geographical challenges, and various obstacles over a 21-year period, the project was successfully opened to service. Thanks to the completed tunnels, travel time between Cizre and Şırnak has been reduced from 45 minutes to 15 minutes.

Under this project, the road stretch totaling 35.7 kilometers was divided into separate carriageways, enhancing travel safety. Additionally, an 8-kilometer reduction in route length has resulted in important time savings and time fuel efficiency.

• Time and fuel savings: Upon completion of the project, an annual savings of 75.4 million Turkish Lira was achieved, of which 55.6 million Turkish Lira came from time savings and 19.8 million Turkish Lira from reduced fuel consumption.

• Regional Development: The Cudi Mountain Tunnels lie along the main route connecting Siirt, Van, and Hakkâri with the northern-southern axis of the Black Sea Region to the border crossings with Iraq and Syria. This connection has significantly accelerated and secured commercial transportation.

• Employment and Economic Vitality: The improved accessibility provided by the project has contributed to the creation of new employment opportunities in the agriculture, industry, and trade sectors of the region.

The Cudi Mountain Tunnels project was tendered in 1997, but its completion took 23 years due to security concerns and terrorist attacks. During the project period:

• Ten separate attacks were carried out by the PKK, resulting in the burning of construction machinery and the abduction of workers.
• In 2017, military zones assigned to protect the project were targeted in attacks, resulting in the martyrdom of two security personnel.
• In memory of the martyrs, the tunnels were named "Shahid Captain Mustafa Erdal" and "Shahid Security Guard Dündar Page."

Thanks to security measures implemented by security forces in the region, construction continued and the project was finally completed and opened to service on 18 October 2020.

• Transportation Safety: Previously narrow and hazardous roads have been replaced with safer routes through the new tunnels.
• Commercial and Touristic Impact: The improvement of the road between Şırnak and Cizre has revitalized commercial activities in the region and encouraged tourism. A critical infrastructure has also been established to promote faith-based tourism to Cudi Mountain.
• Strategic Importance: This route extending toward the borders of Iraq and Syria holds critical importance for regional trade. The new road enhances logistics and commercial volume, contributing to economic growth.

The Cudi Mountain Tunnels and Viaducts are not merely a infrastructure project; they are also a transformation initiative designed to enhance the region’s security, economy, and transportation. After years of struggle and substantial investment, the completed project has made transportation safer and more fast for Şırnak and surrounding provinces, while simultaneously contributing to regional development.