Prime Minister Üstel: Modern Gate with Quick Queues Coming Soon
Modernization Work at the Metehan Border Gate Continues
The modernization work at the Metehan Border Gate, one of the main entry points to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is well underway. The project is part of a protocol signed in 2023 between the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry, the Turkish Cypriot Building Contractors Association, the Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Association, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, and the Prime Ministry to improve the border gates.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, along with representatives from the Economic Organizations, recently visited the region to oversee the progress of the ongoing works. They were briefed by officials from the State Planning Organization and the Highways Department.
According to Cafer Gürcafer, President of the Turkish Cypriot Construction Contractors Association, the modernization project faced initial delays due to negotiations with various authorities and bureaucratic obstacles. However, the work has now commenced, and the aim is to create a welcoming and efficient border gate that can ease congestion and cater to the increasing number of tourists and pedestrians.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel emphasized the importance of the modernization of border gates as a demonstration of the cooperation between the government and the private sector. The government’s priority is to complete projects that have been left unfinished, and the modernization of the border gates is a critical step in addressing infrastructure deficiencies in the country.
The renewal of the border gates is part of a larger effort to improve the overall transportation infrastructure in Northern Cyprus. In addition to the ongoing work at the Metehan Border Gate, the government is also focusing on modernizing sea entrance doors to further enhance business and travel.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel also commented on efforts to open new border gates and increase the number of entry points. While the Turkish Cypriot side is prepared to work on this, it requires cooperation from Southern Cyprus as well. The government has conveyed proposals to Southern Cyprus, but a response is pending.
The modernization work at the Metehan Border Gate is expected to be completed by June, and it is anticipated that the upgraded facilities will significantly improve the entry and exit experience for travelers entering Northern Cyprus.
Overall, the modernization of the border gates is a critical step in enhancing the transportation infrastructure of Northern Cyprus and ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for both locals and visitors.
