In 2023, to recognize the creativity of our operations and maintenance (O&M) teams, we launched an internal competition: the Innovation Challenge. All staff involved in the operations of airports, cities, mobility, rail, roads, and related consulting services were invited to submit their flagship innovation projects. In 2023, the inaugural competition received 23 submissions. By 2024, this number had increased to 49 projects!
Third prize winners were Kaan Kaptan and Murat Gucuyener from Ataş, the concessionaire of the Eurasia Tunnel, which is operated by Egis Tünel Işletmeciliği. This 5.4 km-long tunnel is located 100 m below sea level at its lowest point, and connects the Asian and European sides of Istanbul, carrying over 75,000 vehicles daily. The challenge addressed by the team was users struggling with speed adjustment uphill, causing congestion. The solution involved installing ingenious lighting over 1,500 meters to maintain constant traffic speed and flow. CO2 emissions were reduced by over 12% and NO2 by over 7%. This innovation improved traffic management, enabling faster flow and fewer incidents.
Second prize was awarded to Luís Da Silva, who represented the Egis Road Operation Portugal team. They manage the A24 motorway, a 157-km route in a mountainous area prone to wildfires. To address issues like falling trees, they developed a vegetation monitoring solution using high-resolution satellite imagery and AI. This technology helps detect tree diseases, invasive species, and vegetation in the roadway. The benefits include increased safety through early hazard detection, improved efficiency by reducing manual inspections and costs, and enhanced sustainability by maintaining green spaces. This innovative approach offers a smarter, faster, and cost-effective solution for managing roadside vegetation, improving road safety, and minimising environmental impact.
First prize winners were Atakan Süler and Burak Giray for Giib’s work on Drone Patrolling on the Gebze-Izmir Motorway in Turkey, a 500 km road with high traffic, including a bridge, tunnels, and viaducts. To reduce their carbon footprint and enhance safety, they spent a year on research and preparations to replace traditional patrols with drones. The staff underwent extensive training and obtained the necessary licenses. The Heliplane drone, with specialized cameras, covers up to 200 km emission-free and transmits real-time video to the traffic control center for quick hazard response. This initiative reduces carbon emissions by over 700 tons annually, equivalent to 76 Paris-Istanbul flights! This innovation revolutionises motorway operations with improved efficiency, safety, and data accuracy.
Check out the video about this winning innovation!