Türkiye’s domestic electric high-speed train to hit tracks in 2025

Türkiye’s Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that the design of the domestic Electric High-Speed Train Set, capable of speeds up to 225 kilometers per hour (62.5 miles per second), is in its final stages.

The eight-car train set is set to be operational by 2025.

National electric high-speed train to launch in 2025

Minister Uraloğlu confirmed that the final design phase of the National Electric High-Speed Train Set, capable of speeds up to 225 kilometers per hour and accommodating 584 passengers, is nearly complete.

The prototype production processes have already started.

“We will complete the prototype assembly by the end of 2024 and expect to see our National Electric High-Speed Train on the tracks in 2025,” Uraloglu stated.

“Under the Eskisehir – 5000 project, we developed a new generation electric mainline locomotive tailored to the needs of TCDD Tasimacilik AS. The static tests within the factory are finished, and dynamic tests are ongoing.”

The new generation electric mainline locomotive, branded by TURASAS, boasts 5 megawatts of power, a TSI certification, and a speed capacity of 140 kilometers per hour.

The Eskisehir-5000 project highlights include the country’s highest power traction motors, each with 1,280 kilowatts, and the most potent high-voltage traction converters designed for a rail system vehicle.

This project also features the first locally designed mainline locomotive body, bogie, and train control and management system.

Approximately 115 materials were sourced from local suppliers.

Significant progress by TURASAS

Minister Uraloglu evaluated the results of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry’s (ISO) “Türkiye’s 500 Largest Industrial Enterprises 2023” survey in a written statement. Türkiye Rail System Vehicles Industry Inc. (TURASAS), one of the nine public institutions on the list, climbed 64 places from the previous year, solidifying its position among the industry giants.

TURASAS, with approximately 4,000 employees across three regional directorates and 370,000 square meters of closed area, continues to develop and produce national and local technologies.

“TURASAS’s achievement is a testament to our commitment to modernizing our railways with locally produced vehicles,” said Uraloglu.

“We take pride in being a producing power of Türkiye.”

Meeting international standards

Turkish Minister Uraloglu emphasized that factories are rapidly adapting to the new conditions, continuing to produce national and local products.

He noted that the National Electric Train set, designed for a speed of 176 kilometers per hour, meets international standards and is manufactured for use in Türkiye and other countries.

“The train sets, certified by the European Union Railways Interoperability Certification (TSI), are produced in configurations of 3 to 6 cars to meet regional and intercity needs. Each five-car set can carry 324 passengers,” Uraloglu explained.

“Currently, the assembly and factory testing of the fourth set are ongoing. The national freight wagon produced by TÜRASAŞ, one of the most preferred in intermodal rail freight transportation, is the lightest and carries the highest payload in its class in Europe,” Uraloglu concluded.