The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided a loan of EUR 645.8 million for the construction of the Istanbul North Rail Crossing project. The 127 km double-track, electrified line will create an efficient bypass north of Istanbul, bypassing the existing southern rail corridor through the city. The loan covers just under 10% of the project costs, estimated at EUR 7.16 billion. According to ADB, this is the first of two financing packages of the same size, with a decision on the second loan to be made in 2028. Further funding has been pledged by the World Bank, amounting to EUR 1.73 billion, and by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), amounting to EUR 500 million. Additional contributions are expected from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development. In total, the financiers intend to provide EUR 5.8 billion, with Turkey covering the remaining share. The new line will increase annual capacity from 3 million t to 50 million t. This will also benefit the Middle Corridor between Europe and Asia.