Türkiye’s High-Speed Rail: Türasaş & TCDD Drive Innovation

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Introduction

Türkiye has initiated construction of a domestic electric high-speed train manufacturing and testing facility in Sakarya, designed to produce and test up to 12 high-speed train sets annually. The facility, expected to generate approximately 250 jobs and contribute $84m annually to the economy, will be located within the Sakarya Regional Directorate of Türkiye Rail System Vehicles Industry (Türasaş).

Facility Overview

The new facility, situated in Sakarya, will cover approximately 15,000m². It is designed to manufacture and test up to 12 high-speed train sets each year. The project is expected to create around 250 jobs.

Economic Impact

The Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that the factory is projected to contribute Tl3.5bn ($84m) per year to the economy after it becomes operational. The minister emphasized the facility’s role in supporting Türkiye’s R&D and technology infrastructure, domestic industry development, and employment.

Project Scope and Objectives

The facility will focus on trains engineered and assembled in Türkiye, targeting operational speeds of up to 225km per hour. Preparatory earthworks have been completed, and ground improvement is underway to facilitate foundation work. The project aligns with efforts to modernize and extend the country’s rail network infrastructure, supporting national goals for increased technological autonomy in the rail sector.

Recent Contract

In March 2024, Türasaş signed a contract with TCDD for 95 locomotives. The agreement includes the delivery of 95 locomotives designed for dual use in both passenger and freight operations. These are Eskişehir 5000 Electric Mainline Locomotives, or E5000, capable of speeds up to 140 km/h, and named for their 5000kW power output.

Conclusion

The new manufacturing and testing facility in Sakarya is designed to produce high-speed trains, aiming to boost technological autonomy and economic growth within Türkiye’s rail sector. The project includes the construction of a facility capable of producing 12 train sets annually, with associated job creation and economic contributions. This development complements ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the country’s rail network, as demonstrated by the recent contract between Türasaş and TCDD for 95 locomotives.

Company Summary

Türkiye Rail System Vehicles Industry (Türasaş): A Turkish company involved in the rail system vehicles industry. Türasaş is constructing a manufacturing and testing facility for high-speed trains in Sakarya and recently signed a contract with TCDD for 95 locomotives.

TCDD: The national rail operator of Türkiye.

Technology

E5000: The Eskişehir 5000 Electric Mainline Locomotive, a type of locomotive with a 5000kW power output and a maximum speed of 140 km/h.

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