Türkiye is poised to significantly expand its high-speed train network, aiming to connect 52 out of its 81 provinces under the ambitious 2050 Transport and Logistics Master Plan, as announced by Transport Minister Abdülkadir Uraloğlu.
This extensive project underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation solutions across the country.
The expansion projects include the construction of high-speed train railways between Ankara and the western province of İzmir, and railways connecting the provinces of Mersin, Adana, and Gaziantep. Additionally, a route from Istanbul’s Halkalı to the Kapıkule border crossing is also in the plans.
Minister Uraloğlu revealed that Türkiye’s railway system would witness an addition of 28,500 kilometers, with 3,800 kilometers of railways currently under construction and project work for another 5,800 kilometers having been completed. This expansion represents a significant stride in bolstering the country’s railway infrastructure.
In alignment with Türkiye’s 2053 net-zero emission targets, there is a strategic plan to decrease road transportation from 72 percent to 57 percent and to augment railway freight transportation from 5 percent to 22 percent. “This strategic shift will enable us to achieve a substantial reduction in carbon emissions,” stated Minister Uraloğlu.
The minister also highlighted that the share of railways in freight transport is projected to increase from the current 4 percent to 11 percent by 2029. Over the past 21 years, Türkiye has invested 880 billion Turkish Liras in its railway system, reflecting the government’s sustained commitment to railway development.
From 2003 to 2023, the length of the country’s railway network has seen an increase from 11,000 kilometers to 14,000 kilometers, marking a period of substantial growth and development in Türkiye’s railway sector.
