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Türkiye plans to double high-speed rail network by 2027

Türkiye plans to double high-speed rail network by 2027 Türkiye's High Speed ​​Train (YHT), operated by Turkish State Railways (TCDD). (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Dec 29, 2024 5:49 PM

Türkiye aims to expand its high-speed train (YHT) network to 4,122 kilometers (2561.2 miles) by 2027, an 83% increase from the current 2,251 kilometers, announced Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu.

Uraloglu emphasized ongoing nationwide efforts to integrate Türkiye with high-speed rail infrastructure, with routes currently serving key cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Konya, Eskişehir, Sivas and Karaman.

Türkiye plans to double high-speed rail network by 2027
Türkiye’s high-speed train lines and future projects (Turkish State Railways Photo)

Expanding high-speed rail infrastructure

Uraloglu highlighted Türkiye‘s ambitious expansion targets, projecting the network to grow to 2,607 kilometers by 2025, 2,843 kilometers by 2026, and ultimately 4,122 kilometers by 2027.

“High-speed trains are both cost-effective and comfortable, making them highly preferred by our citizens,” Uraloglu said.

Ankara-Istanbul super high-speed train project

Uraloglu also discussed the Ankara-Istanbul Super High-Speed Train Project, designed to operate at speeds of 350 km/h. Once completed, the travel time between the two cities will be reduced to just 80 minutes. The project is expected to be operational by 2034.

Türkiye plans to double high-speed rail network by 2027
Trains wait at a station in Amasya, Türkiye on June 21, 2022. (IHA Photo)

Ankara-Izmir travel time to drop to 3.5 hours

A significant project underway is the Ankara-Izmir High-Speed Train Line, aimed at reducing travel time from 14 hours to 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The 508-kilometer project will feature electric and signalized infrastructure, including 49 tunnels, 56 viaducts, 385 underpasses/overpasses, and 779 bridges and culverts. Completion is targeted in 2027.

Halkali-Kapikule: Strengthening Asia-Europe connections

The Halkali-Kapikule High-Speed Train Project will serve as a crucial link in the Asia-Europe corridor, supporting both passenger and freight transport.

The project will reduce passenger travel time from 4 hours to 1.5 hours and freight transit from 8.5 hours to 3.5 hours. Infrastructure progress on the Cerkezkoy-Kapikule section has reached 92%.

Türkiye plans to double high-speed rail network by 2027
The picture shows the express train from Istanbul to the Bulgarian capital of Sofia after about a nine-and-a-half-hour journey. (AA Photo)

Bursa-Istanbul: Travel time to shrink

The Bandirma-Bursa-Yenisehir-Osmaneli High-Speed Train Project will enable travel between Bursa and Istanbul in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The 201-kilometer line, designed for speeds of up to 200 km/h, includes multiple tunnels, viaducts, and bridges.

Mersin-Adana-Osmaniye-Gaziantep project

Another major initiative is the Mersin-Adana-Osmaniye-Gaziantep High-Speed Train Project, aiming to reduce travel time from over six hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes.

This 303-kilometer route will feature 50 tunnels, 63 bridges, and 130 underpasses/overpasses, with significant progress already achieved in various segments.

Türkiye plans to double high-speed rail network by 2027
A high-speed train passes through the Bostanci neighborhood, Istanbul, Türkiye, Oct. 31, 2022. (AA Photo)

Karaman-Ulukisla line in progress

The Karaman-Ulukisla High-Speed Train Project will reduce travel time from 2 hours and 25 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes. The 135-kilometer line will include two tunnels and 153 bridges and culverts.

Last Updated:  Dec 29, 2024 5:49 PM
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