AIIB Watch Cases

Status: Approved
Timeframe: 2023- ?
Area: Turkey, along the Divriği-Kars-Georgia border railway corridor
AIIB Investment Amount: USD 250 million
Total Project Cost: USD 1,100 million
Co-financier: World Bank 
E&S Category: B

Project details:
The project aims to boost efficiency and resilience in Turkey's railway system. It includes installing modern systems along a 660-kilometer corridor, improving infrastructure like bridges and stations, and deploying digital tech for enhanced safety and network strength.

Project Concerns:
There is documented presence of several Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA), national parks, lakes, rivers/streams, and critical habitats in the vicinity of the railway alignment.

It is emphasized that the project is expected to require land, primarily state-owned land along the railway route. Resettlements are anticipated, mainly from state forest areas, pastureland, and private land.

During the project’s operational phase, in some parts of the alignment (e.g., where station buildings and facilities will be rehabilitated or expanded), increased rail traffic and use of these facilities may cause some impacts that are expected to be mitigated, such as elevated noise levels. Other community health and safety risks may include temporary dust, noise, traffic congestion and localized exposure to construction site accidents, and potential damage of crops.

The ESIA lists problems without a corresponding action plan. No action plan is currently available. The World Bank has been commissioned to prepare an action plan; reference is only made to another project where such a plan exists: here and here.

The suggested use of borrower systems is a matter of concern and should be monitored. 

Further information:
AIIB Project-Website

Last update: 21.01.2025