Türkiye to establish high-speed train consortium
A high-speed train passes through the Bostanci neighborhood, Istanbul, Türkiye, Oct. 31, 2022. (AA Photo)
Türkiye is set to establish a High-Speed Train (YHT) Consortium to meet the growing demand for vehicles operating on its expanding national high-speed rail network. These vehicles will be supplied by a domestic and national YHT series, with potential exports to nearby regions.
The initiative is part of the HIT-30 High Technology Investment Program of Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology, which will also include calls for investments in fuel cell vehicles, electric high-speed rail systems, micro-mobility aircraft, and unmanned land, air, and sea vehicles. The goal is to make Türkiye a global hub for the production of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Support for vehicle production
Through the Technology-Oriented Industry Move Program, Türkiye is supporting 38 investment projects totaling over 32 billion Turkish Liras ($843.5 million). These projects span a range of areas, including the development and mass production of smart, electric public transportation vehicles, advanced driving assistance systems, autonomous vehicle smart camera systems, and investments in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Additionally, the country is aligning with the European Green Deal to promote carbon-neutral production processes and sustainable vehicle manufacturing.
HIT-30 investment program
The HIT-30 High Technology Investment Program is focused on high-priority technology sectors, offering comprehensive support and incentives for specialized projects. The program includes investments in mobility, semiconductors, green energy, advanced manufacturing, healthy living, digital technologies, and space.
Under mobility, future calls will address fuel cell vehicles, electric high-speed rail systems, micro-mobility air vehicles, and unmanned transportation solutions. These investments are expected to strengthen the domestic supply chain and contribute to sustainable transportation policies.
Role of rail systems in sustainable transport
Rail systems, which contribute to reducing carbon emissions from transportation, are increasingly seen as a sustainable and economical solution to rising urbanization and population growth. Producing all components of rail vehicles locally supports both the reduction of carbon emissions and enhances Türkiye’s economic independence.
The country has made significant progress in producing and exporting rail system vehicles with a high local content. This expertise and capacity will be leveraged to advance the national production of High-Speed Trains.
Establishment of the High-Speed Train Consortium
This initiative will ensure that domestically produced HST series meet the E.U.’s interoperability standards for railroads. The domestic production of these trains will help meet the needs of Türkiye’s expanding high-speed rail network and open opportunities for exports to nearby regions.
Through these efforts, Türkiye aims to strengthen its position in the global transportation and technology sectors, driving innovation and sustainable growth in the mobility space.
