Hasankeyf Tunnel

Hasankeyf Tunnel was constructed to facilitate transportation between the districts of Hasankeyf and Gercüş in Batman. Opened on 8 November 2022, tunnel aims to improve transportation quality in the region by saving time and fuel savings. The tunnel addresses a critical need arising from the change in route caused by the commencement of water storage at the Ilısu Dam water road. Its opening was marked by a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan via video conference method.

• Length: 638 metres (twin-tube).
• Total Length with Connecting Roads: 2 kilometres.
• Connecting Roads: Constructed to divided highway standard, spanning 29.8 kilometres.
• Bridges: Hasankeyf-1 (465 metres) and Hasankeyf-2 (1,001 metres) bridges have been opened to traffic.
• Investment Cost: 910 million TL.

According to official reports on the Hasankeyf Tunnel, it provides a safer, more comfortable and fast transportation option between Batman and Mardin provinces compared to previous routes. It ensures safe passage through the Üçyol Pass area. Thanks to the project:

• Travel time has been reduced,
• Fuel savings have been achieved,
• Traffic safety has been enhanced.

In addition, the opening of the tunnel shortened the Hasankeyf-Midyat route by 3 kilometres.

• Commencement: Tunnel construction began in 2019.
• Progress: A “lighting ceremony” was held on 9 September 2019.
• Completion Time: 2.5 years.

At the opening ceremony, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Adil Karaismailoğlu, Batman Governor Ekrem Canalp, General Director of Highways Abdülkadir Uraloğlu, Hasankeyf District Governor Şenol Öztürk and Hasankeyf Municipality Mayor Abdulvahap Kusen such as were among the officials present place.

The Hasankeyf Tunnel is one of the projects implemented under Türkiye’s 2053 Transport and Logistics Main Plan. Designed to advance Türkiye’s transportation infrastructure, this project has addressed the route alterations caused by the Ilısu Dam compensation and contributed to the region’s economic and social development.

In his statement regarding the project, Minister Karaismailoğlu noted significant progress in Türkiye’s road infrastructure, stating that the length of divided highways has reached 28,793 kilometres over the past 20 years. Enhancing commercial activity in Batman and its surroundings and improving access to border crossings are among the project’s primary objectives.

The Hasankeyf Tunnel stands out as a major investment addressing regional transportation needs. With newly constructed bridges and connecting roads, together, region residents are offered a safer, more comfortable and more economical transportation alternative compared to the previous routes land. It is expected that reduced travel times and improved safety will further stimulate tourism and trade in Hasankeyf and its vicinity.