Türkiye faces controversy as train services halted in main opposition-led district

Train services between Türkiye’s Ankara and Elmadag district inaugurated prior to the local elections, have been suspended five months after the polls.

The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) has cited “insufficient passenger numbers” as the reason for the suspension, while the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) contends that the decision amounts to punishing voters.

The Ankara-Elmadag Regional Train line was launched just 10 days before the local elections on March 31. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, alongside the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party) Elmadag then-mayoral candidate Eyyup Tekiner, attended the opening ceremony on March 21.

Uraloglu assured that the train service was introduced to meet citizens’ needs, with schedules adjusted accordingly.

However, recent reports indicate that services have been halted in Elmadag, which is now under CHP administration.

In the local elections held 10 days after the line’s inauguration, CHP candidate Adem Baris Askin, who had served as mayor since 2019, secured reelection with 53.28% of the vote.

‘Attempt to punish will of people’

TCDD’s decision to halt services starting Aug. 31, citing “insufficient passenger demand,” has been met with criticism.

CHP Deputy Chair Ulas Karasu condemned the move, stating: “This appears to be an attempt to punish the will of the people. Services funded by taxpayer money have been used as a campaign tool by the AK Party.”

“If necessary, reduce the number of daily trips from six. With the line closed, transportation that previously took 40-45 minutes will be delayed due to increased road traffic from private vehicles,” he added.