China’s tunnel boring machine achieved a major milestone in Turkey’s highway project

On Saturday, the giant tunnel boring machine «CREC №1294», manufactured in China, broke through the final wall of the Sariyer–Kilos tunnel in Istanbul. This marked significant progress in one of Turkey’s key infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. The machine, produced by China Railway Group Limited, has a cutting head 13.65 meters in diameter and weighs 2,850 tons. It uses advanced continuous tunneling technology designed to operate at great depths and high water pressure. Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, attended the ceremony, marking the official completion of the protective section of the tunnel and laying the groundwork for opening the new highway. Once completed, the Sariyer–Kilos highway will significantly reduce travel time in Istanbul and alleviate traffic congestion.