The Longest Surface of the Night: Smooth Flow in Istanbul’s Public Services
Today, we are bringing to the agenda the visibility of an institution that provides uninterrupted service even at midnight in Istanbul. IMM strengthened the symbolic meaning of December 21 by maintaining city security, infrastructure and cleanliness 24/7. The management team and field teams monitored the operations that were initiated and planned to be continued in different parts of Istanbul, step by step. This article offers a full road map on the axis of practical applications of the 24/7 service concept, smart security monitoring, urban transportation dynamics and environmental/logistics management.
Field Route: Night Shift Starting from Saraçhane
Deputy Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Nuri Aslan, monitored the critical points regarding the security, transportation and infrastructure of the city one by one, starting from Saraçhane at 20.25. Aslan first observed the emergency preparations on site at the Fire Department and followed the operational processes carried out throughout the night live. These steps served to address the risks in the city with a rapid early warning system.
Instant Monitoring in Rail Systems and Tunnels
The Deputy Chairman, who received direct information about the night operation and security processes of rail systems at Metro Istanbul Yenikapı Security Monitoring Center, went to ISBAK Piyalepaşa Tunnel Operation Center and listened to tunnel management and traffic safety practices from the operation teams. In this section, interventions that prioritize real-time data flow and user experience came to the fore. The fluidity in the tunnels and the coordinated response in case of emergency ensure that the city’s night traffic continues without any disruption.
AKOM, İSKİ and Police: 24/7 Preparation and Coordination
The planning and exercise process for winter conditions through AKOM aims to carry out field services safely with 3,492 vehicles and 11,242 personnel. İSKİ Drinking Water Treatment Plant Filtered SCADA Center enabled the monitoring of infrastructure systems throughout the night. Critical points such as the Police Command Center and IETT Edirnekapı Garage made it possible to clarify night operations with short meetings with the teams. This structure made it possible to coordinate urban security and transportation flow from a single center.
Direct Experience in Waste Management and Logistics Centers
Critical logistics points such as İSTAÇ Yenibosna Solid Waste Transfer Station, İSKİ İkitelli Drinking Water Treatment Facilities and Alibeyköy Logistics Center were met with the teams in the field and operational processes and instant applications were discussed in detail. This section set an example of modern management models that ensure urban cleaning and infrastructure services are carried out in an uninterrupted and integrated manner.
From Anatolia to Europe: City Lines and Road Line Studies
Under the leadership of Volkan Demir, contact was established with the teams working at night at the City Lines piers on the field route starting from Kadıköy. An operation flow was followed in Ümraniye, supported by road marking works, city cleaning and observations of İSTAÇ Hekimbaşı Solid Waste Transfer Station. The night cleaning works carried out in Beşiktaş Barbaros Boulevard showed that a wide coordination network was active in the city throughout the night.
Application Based Taxi: Open Air Meeting with Tradesmen
Another important moment that increased the momentum of the night was the meeting held with taxi tradesmen with the introduction of the “Application Based Taxi” system. The event, held at the point where taxi and minibus stops are located in Kadıköy, was attended by IMM Secretary General Prof. Dr. Volkan Demir and Deputy Secretary General Assoc. Dr. Guided by Pelin Alpkökin. The aim of this open-air meeting was for taxi drivers to share their experiences in the field and to receive suggestions directly. This approach was a critical step for rapid feedback mechanism and improving service quality.
IMM’s Readiness for Winter Conditions
IMM’s preparations for winter conditions were implemented with the coordination of AKOM and affiliated units. This plan, implemented with 11,242 personnel and 3,492 vehicles, was designed to minimize risk factors such as slippery risks, traffic congestion and infrastructure outages. Rail system security, tunnel operations and shelter/security protocols on special days such as December 21 formed the outlines of this plan. This comprehensive approach clearly shows how the city acts as a 24/7 organization.
Bottom-up Feedback and Transparency
The municipal government took a tailored approach to integrate feedback from the field directly into strategies. The coordination of managers and field teams strengthened a communication channel based on practical problems and solutions. This is vital for rapid response capacity and efficient allocation of resources.
Insider Experiences: How Do Teams Work?
Throughout the night, teams worked simultaneously on traffic safety, infrastructure maintenance, emergency cleanup processes and public safety. Predetermined drills for emergency scenarios were supported with real-time data. In this flow of events, each unit demonstrated the power of coordination by bringing its own expertise to the field. As a result, the city has experienced a proactive approach that reduces vulnerabilities in the Highway and public transport network.
Lessons and Applications for the Future
These nightly observations position the city government not only as a structure that responds to emergencies, but as an ecosystem that models proactive service management. Data-driven monitoring, on-site decision-making and social dialogue-oriented approach offer permanent gains in terms of social security and service quality for a megacity like Istanbul. In addition, environmental management and logistics infrastructure integration constitute the cornerstones of sustainability throughout the city.
