Türkiye HSR: 100M+ Passengers, Rail Innovation & Expansion

Turkish High-Speed Rail Achieves Milestone, Eyes Regional Leadership

Turkey’s high-speed rail network has surpassed a significant milestone, transporting over 100 million passengers since its inception in 2009. This achievement underscores the country’s commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure and establishing itself as a regional leader in high-speed rail technology. This article explores the remarkable growth of Turkey’s HSR network, from its initial lines to ambitious future expansion plans and the impact on the nation’s economy and sustainability goals. It details the operational successes, future projects, and the underlying strategic vision driving Turkey’s high-speed rail ambitions, offering insights for industry professionals keen on understanding the evolving landscape of high-speed rail.

Rapid Expansion: A Decade of High-Speed Rail Growth

The Ankara–Eskişehir line, which commenced operation in March 2009, marked the beginning of Turkey’s high-speed rail (HSR) journey. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu highlighted the network’s impressive performance, noting that trains have covered 98.2 million kilometers, equivalent to 2,451 trips around the Earth. Currently, the Turkish network spans 2,251 kilometers. The Ankara–Istanbul HSR line leads in passenger volume, carrying 38 million passengers, followed by the Ankara–Konya line with 21.4 million, and the Ankara–Eskişehir line with 21 million. These numbers reflect the growing popularity of HSR as a preferred mode of transport in Turkey. The expansion has made Turkey the sixth HSR operator in Europe and the eighth globally.

Network Connectivity and Ridership Figures

The current network provides HSR access to 20 cities, serving 51% of the population. Direct services link major cities such as Ankara, Eskişehir, Konya, Istanbul, and Sivas. Integrated transport options, facilitated by connecting coaches and conventional trains, extend the reach to cities such as Adana, Antalya, and Bursa. Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the significant time savings compared to coach-only travel. The network’s reach has been extended over the years with new services. These services have had a positive effect and have increased overall ridership figures.

Rolling Stock and Domestic Production

The operational fleet comprises HT65000 trainsets from CAF and Velaro TR units from Siemens Mobility. In 2024, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları (TCDD), through its affiliated entity, Türasaş, initiated the production of domestically-built HSR trainsets, designed to operate at 225 km/h. This represents a significant step towards self-sufficiency in the rail sector. Between 2026 and 2028, Türasaş plans to produce 14 such trainsets, which will contribute to the expansion of the HSR network. The domestic manufacturing initiative also underscores Turkey’s dedication to boosting industrial competitiveness and generating skilled job opportunities within the railway technology sector.

Future Expansion and Key Projects

According to the UIC Atlas – High-Speed Rail 2023, Turkey has 1,154 kilometers of HSR lines in commercial operation. Nine new lines, totalling 1,561 kilometers, are under construction. Additionally, plans are in place to construct an additional six lines, spanning 2,186 kilometers. One of the significant projects underway is the Ankara–Istanbul Super Fast Train, a 254-kilometer double-track line between Sincan and Eskişehir–İnönü designed for speeds up to 350 km/h. This project aims to reduce travel time between the two cities to 80 minutes by 2030. Furthermore, the İzmir–Ankara line, with scheduled test runs this year and an expected 2027 launch, will reduce travel time to 3.5 hours, saving 8.5 hours. Another critical project is the Kayseri–Ankara high-speed line, designed for 250 km/h, which is projected to handle 11 million passengers annually. Turkey aims to double the size of its HSR network by 2027, targeting a total of 6,000 kilometers by 2035.

Conclusion

Turkey’s high-speed rail advancements represent a bold vision for the future of transportation. The achievement of transporting over 100 million passengers showcases the network’s success in providing efficient and comfortable travel options while reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. With ambitious expansion plans, including new lines and domestic trainset production, the country is poised to significantly increase the reach and capacity of its HSR network. These efforts are reinforced by Turkey’s commitment to establishing a High-Speed Train Consortium. The focus on domestic manufacturing, along with adherence to EU interoperability standards, positions Turkey to potentially become a key exporter of HSR technology to neighboring countries, enhancing its regional influence. The future looks bright for Turkish high-speed rail, and its ambitious expansion plans highlight the nation’s commitment to sustainable and efficient long-distance transportation. Turkey’s evolving HSR network is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy as the country continues to emerge as a key player in the high-speed rail sector.