High-speed rail in Turkey
{{Short description|none}}
{{see also|Yüksek Hızlı Tren}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox rail network
|name = High-speed rail in Turkey
|color =
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|image = Eskişehir_railway_station.jpg
|caption = High-speed train at the terminal in Eskişehir
|nationalrailway =
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|passkm =
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|length =
|doublelength = 1314 km
|ellength =
|hslength =
|gauge = 1435 mm
|hsgauge =
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|gauge1length =
|el = 25 kv / 50 Hz
|notunnels =
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|longesttunnel =
|nobridges =
|longestbridge =
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|highelevation =
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|minradius_m = 3500
|map = {{YHT}}
|mapcaption = Turkish high-speed rail network in service, under construction, and planned
}}
Turkish State Railways (TCDD) started building high-speed rail lines in 2003. TCDD has branded its high-speed service as Yüksek Hızlı Tren (YHT) which currently operates on three lines: the Ankara–Istanbul high-speed railway, the Ankara–Konya high-speed railway and the Ankara-Sivas high-speed railway. YHT is the only high-speed rail service in Turkey, with two types of EMU train models operating at speeds of up to {{Cvt|250|km/h|4=0}} (HT65000){{cite web|url=http://www.caf.net/en/productos-servicios/proyectos/proyecto-detalle.php?p=24|title=Technical specifications of TCDD HT65000|publisher=CAF|access-date=15 July 2016}} or {{Cvt|300|km/h|4=0}} (HT80000).{{cite web|url=https://assets.new.siemens.com/siemens/assets/api/uuid:0e1ccf29-d0bf-468e-a9c6-2722aea68261/datasheet-velaro-tr-e.pdf|title=Velaro Turkey: High-Speed Train for TCDD|publisher=Siemens Mobility|access-date=2020-04-16}}{{cite web|url=https://press.siemens.com/global/en/feature/velaro-turkey-high-speed-train|title=Velaro Turkey High-Speed Train|publisher=Siemens Mobility|access-date=2020-04-16}}
On 13 March 2009, the first phase of the Ankara–Istanbul high-speed railway entered service between Ankara and Eskişehir. On 25 July 2014, the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway services began to reach the Pendik railway station on the Asian side of Istanbul,Uysal, Onur. [http://railturkey.org/2014/07/26/istanbul-ankara-high-speed-train-opened/ "First High Speed Train Set on Ankara Istanbul Line Arrived Istanbul"], Rail Turkey, 26 July 2014 and on 13 March 2019 the services began to reach the Halkalı railway station on the European side of Istanbul, passing through the Marmaray railway tunnel under the Bosphorus strait. There were initially 6 daily departures in both directions.Uysal, Onur. [http://railturkey.org/2014/08/09/istanbul-ankara-high-speed-train-new-schedule/ "New Schedule for Istanbul-Ankara High Speed Train"], Rail Turkey, 9 August 2014
On 23 August 2011, the YHT service on the Ankara–Konya high-speed railway was inaugurated and on 26 April 2023 the 405 km long Ankara-Sivas high-speed railway started operations.{{Cite web |last=Artymiuk |first=Simon |date=2023-04-27 |title=Turkey officially opens 405km Ankara - Sivas high-speed line |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/turkey-officially-opens-405km-ankara-sivas-high-speed-line/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en-GB}}
High-speed rail in Turkey is still developing, with new lines currently under construction or in the planning phase. By 2023, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure expects Turkey's high-speed rail system to increase to {{Convert|10000|km|4=0}}.[http://www.rayturk.net/?p=29156 Turkey's high-speed rail system will be complete by 2023] – rayturk.net{{Update inline|date=September 2024}}
Lines in operation
=Ankara–Istanbul high-speed line=
{{Main|Ankara–Istanbul high-speed railway}}
File:YHT train at Ankara railway station.jpg at the ATG terminal in Ankara]]
File:Ankara_Tren_Garı.jpg terminal in Ankara is a hub for the YHT services of the Turkish State Railways]]
Prior to the introduction of the high-speed line, the population centres of Istanbul (14 million) and Ankara (5 million) were connected by a {{Cvt|576|km}} long railway line, of which only {{Cvt|110|km|4=0}} was double-tracked.[http://www.transport.vgtu.lt/upload/tif_zur/2007-1-akgungor_demirel.pdf Evaluation of Ankara – Istanbul high speed train project]{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Authors: Ali Payidar Akgungor, Abdulmuttalip Demirel, 2006, ISSN 1648-4142 print / ISSN 1648-3480 online, periodical: "TRANSPORT" 2007, Vol XXII, No 1, www.transport.vgtu.lt The whole line was electrified, but low radius turns and poor track quality made high-speed rail transport impossible. Prior to the upgrading of this line in 2006, the railway's market share of Istanbul–Ankara passenger transit was 10%, with a travel time of ~6.5 hours.
The Ankara–Istanbul HST line opened on 25 July 2014, with all trains terminating at Pendik, which is 1 hour by bus from Kadikoy in the eastern suburbs of Istanbul. There are 12 trips per day and the journey takes 3.5 hours. All trains stop at Eskişehir and İzmit.
==Design and construction==
The high-speed railway connects the county's largest metropolises, Ankara the capital and conurbation of Istanbul via Eskişehir, with a junction at Polatlı to the Ankara-Konya high-speed line.[http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/ankist_ing.htm The current situation in the Ankara–Istanbul high-speed line project] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428165931/http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/ankist_ing.htm |date=28 April 2009 }} www.tcdd.gov.tr "[http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/hizlitrenprojesi_ing.html Ankara–Istanbul high-speed line project]"
The railway link was built by a Chinese-Turkish consortium, which was formed when the China Railway Construction Corporation and the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation won the bid in 2005 to build the railway line in partnership with two Turkish companies, Cengiz Construction and Ibrahim Cecen Ictas Construction.{{cite web|url=https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/turkeys-new-high-speed-rail-victory-erdogan0938346/ |title=Turkey's new high-speed rail: victory for Erdogan – and China |website=Global Construction Review |first=Rod |last=Sweet |date=29 July 2014}}
The line is {{Cvt|533|km|4=0}} long, double tracked, electrified, and signalled, to ETCS level 1 standard[http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/ankara-istanbul/ Ankara-Istanbul High-Speed Train Project, Turkey] railway-technology.com[http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLd4w3MfQFSYGYRq6m-pEoYgbxjgiRIH1vfV-P_NxU_QD9gtzQiHJHR0UAAD_zXg!!/delta/base64xml/L0lJayEvUUd3QndJQSEvNElVRkNBISEvNl9BX0U4QS9lbl93dw!!?LMSG_CABINET=Docs_and_Resource_Ctr&LMSG_CONTENT_FILE=News_Releases_2009/News_Article_001481.xml Alcatel-Lucent partners with Thales to expand Turkish Railways’ high-speed signalling network] 16 March 2009 www.alcatel-lucent.com and is independent of the original Ankara to Istanbul line. The design speed is {{Cvt|250|km/h|4=0}}.
The first part of the line to be constructed (Phase 1) was the Ankara–Eskişehir section, specifically between Sincan and İnönü, scheduled to open in 2006.
The second phase was scheduled to open in 2008 and included more difficult terrain which covers the path between İnönü and Köseköy, extending to Gebze close to Istanbul. The service in this line is expected to start on 25 July 2014.Uysal, Onur. [http://railturkey.org/2014/07/21/istanbul-ankara-high-speed-train-2/ "Istanbul–Ankara High Speed Train to Start on 25th of July"], Rail Turkey, 21 July 2014 A part of the route has not been completed yet by the time of opening, so conventional line will be used until the completion of the project.
| class="wikitable"
|+Ankara–Istanbul high-speed line construction !Line section !Length (km) !Start / opening dateStart of construction / Official opening !Notes |
| Ankara–Sincan
|24 | |As of 2009, the existing track between Ankara and Esenkent is used until the completion of a dedicated high-speed line As of 2013, one track of high-speed line has been completed between Ankara and Sincan and it is being used with reduced signalling features |
| Sincan–Esenkent
|15 |This section has been opened in 2010 with full signalling features |
| Esenkent–Eskişehir
|206 |Infrastructure includes: 2 road bridges and 30 road underpasses, 7 railway bridges, and 13 river crossings. 4 viaducts (total length over {{Cvt|4|km}}), and 1 tunnel ({{Cvt|471|m}}). |
| Eskişehir station
|3.4 km |To avoid congestion problems in the city of Eskişehir, a tunnel and cutting project is being undertaken. {{Cvt|2240|m}} of covered tunnel consisting of 2 high-speed lines, 2 conventional lines, and 1 freight line, plus {{Cvt|1151|m}} of excavated track (U shape) with 2 high-speed tracks and 1 freight track. Eskisehir station infrastructure works have already started |
| Eskişehir–Inönü
|30 | |
| Inönü–Vezirhan
|54 | |
| Vezirhan–Köseköy
|104 | |
| Köseköy–Pendik
|56 | |
| Pendik–Söğütlüçeşme–Halkalı
|43 | |Opened 12 March 2019 together with the Marmaray project. |
| Söğütlüçeşme–Haydarpaşa (Istanbul)
|2 | |Pending completion of repairs. |
==Operation and rolling stock==
File:InnoTrans 2016 - TCDD HT 80000 - Siemens Velaro TR (2).jpg (Siemens Velaro TR) has a maximum operating speed of {{convert|300|km/h|0|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=https://assets.new.siemens.com/siemens/assets/api/uuid:0e1ccf29-d0bf-468e-a9c6-2722aea68261/datasheet-velaro-tr-e.pdf|title=Velaro Turkey: High-Speed Train for TCDD|publisher=Siemens Mobility|access-date=2020-04-16}}{{cite web|url=https://press.siemens.com/global/en/feature/velaro-turkey-high-speed-train|title=Velaro Turkey High-Speed Train|publisher=Siemens Mobility|access-date=2020-04-16}}]]
The Ankara to Eskişehir section officially opened on 13 March 2009.
The line is operated by the Turkish State Railways, using the TCDD HT65000 six-car train sets constructed by the Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) of Spain.
On 13 November 2009, a high-speed train derailed near Eskişehir.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8358800.stm Turkey high-speed train derails] 13 November 2009 news.bbc.co.uk
On 25 July 2014, Istanbul–Ankara high-speed train service started.Uysal, Onur. [http://railturkey.org/2014/07/26/istanbul-ankara-high-speed-train-opened/ "First High Speed Train Set on Ankara Istanbul Line Arrived Istanbul"], Rail Turkey, 26 July 2014 The stretch has not completed yet, thus service is partially using conventional line, which causes a little longer trip than the target. 8 trains depart every day in both directions.http://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/files/3/yolcu/0504yht.pdf, TCDDT, 3 May 2018 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712170620/http://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/files/3/yolcu/0504yht.pdf |date=12 July 2018 }} Final station in Istanbul is temporarily Pendik, a district in east of Istanbul. Several public-transport connections are organized to access the HST trains.Uysal, Onur. [http://railturkey.org/2014/10/22/access-to-high-speed-train-istanbul/ "How to Get to High Speed Train in Istanbul?"], Rail Turkey, 22 October 2014
In addition to 11 sets of CAF used in Ankara–Eskişehir and Ankara–Konya routes, TCDD had bought seven Siemens Velaro sets for the Ankara–Istanbul line, open by the end of 2013.Uysal, Onur. [http://railturkey.org/2013/07/09/tcdd-orders-velaro "TCDD Prefers Velaro as HST Sets"], Rail Turkey, 9 July 2013
TCDD had also opened a new tender for 106 new sets to be supplied in 5 years and used in new-added lines.Uysal, Onur. [http://railturkey.org/2013/07/28/106-new-hst-sets "Turkey to Buy 106 New High Speed Trains"], Rail Turkey, 28 July 2013 This tender was cancelled and redone in 2018.
=Ankara–Konya high-speed line=
{{Main|Ankara–Konya high-speed railway}}
The second high-speed line construction project in Turkey was a line from Polatlı on the Ankara to Istanbul line to Konya.[http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/ankkonya_ing.htm The current situation on the Ankara–Konya high-speed line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110072731/http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/ankkonya_ing.htm |date=10 January 2010 }} www.tcdd.gov.tr
Prior to the construction of the line, journeys between Ankara and Konya took over 10 hours, travelling from Ankara via Eskişehir and Afyon, with a total length of nearly {{Cvt|1000|km|4=0}}.[http://www.mtc-aj.com/conf_2007/2007_PP1.pdf Railway projects in Turkey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714125606/http://www.mtc-aj.com/conf_2007/2007_PP1.pdf |date=14 July 2011 }} Author: Mustafa Karaşahin, Publication: "Mechanics Transport Communications", ISSN 1312-3823, issue 3, 2007 ww.mtc-aj.comThere was no direct connection between Ankara and Konya by rail The new high-speed line is {{Cvt|306|km|4=0}} in length, with a journey time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. {{Cvt|212|km|4=0}} of new track is constructed via Polatlı and Konya, with a design permitting up to {{Cvt|350|km/h|4=0}} of high-speed rail transport. ETCS Level 2 will be used.{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/first-etcs-level-2-contract-awarded-in-turkey.html|access-date=13 February 2011|title=Railway Gazette: First ETCS Level 2 contract awarded in Turkey}}
Construction was split into two phases: Phase 1 was the {{Cvt|100|km|4=0}} section and Phase 2 was the {{Cvt|112|km|4=0}} section between Polatlı and Konya.
| class="wikitable"
|+Ankara–Konya high-speed line construction !Line section !Length (km) !Notes |
| Ankara–Polatlı junction
|98 km |2004–2009 |Constructed as part of the Ankara to Istanbul high-speed line, on the Sincan – Eskişehir section |
| Phase 1 Polatlı via Kocahacılı to the 100 km mark |100 km |2007–2011 |
| Phase 2 from 100 km mark to Konya |112 km |2006–2011 | |
The line includes a tunnel of 2,030m. The first test train ran in December 2010;{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/completion-of-ankara-konya-high-speed-line-is-significant-step.html|access-date=24 December 2010|title=Railway Gazette: Completion of Ankara – Konya high speed line is significant step|date=24 December 2010|archive-date=16 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616013948/http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/completion-of-ankara-konya-high-speed-line-is-significant-step.html|url-status=dead}} Revenue services began on 24 August 2011.[http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/ankara-konya-fast-line-completes-strategic-link.html Opening of Ankara – Konya fast line completes strategic link – Railway Gazette] Currently, same CAF trains which are used on Ankara–Eskisehir line are running on this line with 250 km/h maximum speed. In the future, TCDD will procure 6 more sets with up to 350 km/h.
The journey time between the two cities (Ankara–Konya) is 1 and a half hours, dropping to 1 hour and 15 minutes in the future. Previously the journey time was 10 hours and 30 minutes. There are 10 trains a day, though this will rise to one per hour in the future.
=Konya-Karaman high-speed line=
This 102 km high-speed line opened on 8 January 2022.{{cite web|url=https://raillynews.com/2022/01/Turkey%27s-high-speed-train-network-is-expanding-konya-karaman-high-speed-train-line-opens-today/amp/|access-date=8 January 2022|title=Turkey's High Speed Train Network Expands: Konya Karaman High Speed Line Opens Today|publisher=raillynews.com}} The Konya-Karaman high-speed line has been designed for a speed of 200 km/h.{{cite web|url=https://uic.org/com/enews/article/turkey-konya-karaman-rapid-railway-line-opens|access-date=23 February 2022|title=Turkey: Konya-Karaman rapid railway line opens|publisher=UIC (International Union of Railways)}}
= Ankara–Sivas high-speed line =
{{Main|Ankara–Sivas high-speed railway}}
More than half of the budgeted investment has been done by 2014, and was planned to open in late-2021.{{cite web |date=9 March 2020 |title=Testing underway on Ankara – Sivas high speed line |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/testing-underway-on-ankara-sivas-high-speed-line/55979.article |access-date=14 May 2020 |website=Railway Gazette International}}
Prior to the construction of the high-speed line, the railway line length between Ankara and Sivas was {{Cvt|602|km|4=}}, primarily single-tracked, with a travel time of 12 hours. The travel time is cut to 2 hours and 51 minutes The line is double-tracked and have a length of {{Cvt|465|km|4=}} eastwards from Ankara to Sivas via Kırıkkale, Yerköy and Yozgat[http://www.arkas.com.tr/english/pages/arkas_news/eylul_2009/haber7.html Turkey's Railway Stations: A railway station that connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean: Sivas Railway Station] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904083322/http://www.arkas.com.tr/english/pages/arkas_news/eylul_2009/haber7.html|date=4 September 2011}} www.arkas.com.tr and constructed for the most part to the same {{Cvt|250|km/h|4=0}} operational design like other high speed lines except Konya-Karaman line. The infrastructure includes 6 viaducts (with a total length over {{Cvt|3|km|4=}}), 11 tunnels (including one of ~{{Cvt|3|km|4=}} in length), and 67 bridges.[http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/genel/anksivashizliproje.htm ANKARA-SİVAS HIZLI TREN PROJESİ YERKÖY-YOZGAT-SİVAS KESİMİ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106015414/http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/genel/anksivashizliproje.htm|date=6 January 2010}} Ankara – Sivas railway project www.tcdd.gov.tr A 2019 update predicted service in 2022, 3 years behind schedule due to "geographic difficulties",{{Cite web |date=26 February 2019 |title=Erdogan: "Ankara Sivas YHT Line Project of Yozgat at the Same Time" |url=https://raillynews.com/2019/02/erdogan-ankara-sivas-yht-line-also-yozgatin-project/}} but the project returned to the prior opening date of 2020 summer.{{Cite web |date=2020-03-05 |title=Ankara-Sivas high-speed train project has been completed |url=https://www.raillynews.com/2020/01/ankara-sivas-high-speed-train-project-has-been-completed/ |website=www.raillynews.com}} In 2022, the Minister of Transport announced the opening of the line by the end of the year, as it is 99% complete in the spring.{{Cite web |title=Ankara-Sivas YHT hattı yıl sonunda hizmete alınacak |url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/ekonomi/ankara-sivas-yht-hatti-yil-sonunda-hizmete-alinacak-672489.html |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.trthaber.com |date=14 April 2022 |language=tr}}{{Cite web |title=Bakan Karaismailoğlu: Ankara-İzmir arasındaki seyahat süresini 3,5 saate düşüreceğiz |url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/bakan-karaismailoglu-ankara-izmir-arasindaki-seyahat-suresini-35-saate-dusurecegiz-666054.html |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.trthaber.com |date=22 March 2022 |language=tr}}
The route study was completed by the end of 2006, and put up for tender in two parts; separated at the {{Cvt|174|km|4=}} mark from Ankara at Yerköy.
The line was inaugurated on 26 April 2023.{{Cite web |title=İlk sefer bugün... Ankara-Sivas Hızlı Treni hareket etti! |url=https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/ilk-sefer-bugun-ankara-sivas-hizli-treni-hareket-etti-2075211 |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.cumhuriyet.com.tr |language=tr}}
File:Ankara Central Station 2012 04.JPG at the Ankara Central Station]]
Lines under construction and planning phase
{{Main|Proposed high-speed rail by country}}
File:Ankara Central Station 2012 03.JPG at the Ankara Central Station]]
=Sivas–Kars line=
An extension eastwards to Kars from the Ankara – Sivas line is planned (a feasibility study done in 2006[http://www.dlh.gov.tr/dlh/menu-demiryollari/etut-proje/eproje-sivas-erzincan SİVAS – ERZİNCAN – ERZURUM- KARS DEMİRYOLU PROJESİ]{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} SİVAS – ERZİNCAN – ERZURUM – KARS RAILWAY PROJECT www.dlh.gov.tr), passing through Erzincan and Erzurum. The line is expected to be built in three phases. It will be electrified and double-tracked based on the 250 km/h standard.[http://www.unece.org/trans/doc/2007/wp5/Presentations/Turkey.pdf Development of Euro-Asian transport links] Author: Selim Bolat, Research, Planning & Coordination Department, Turkish State Railways –TCDD, September 2007, Page 4, via www.unece.org
The design study for the Sivas–Erzincan section was completed by Italian-based SWS Engineering in July 2021. The project will include 59 bridges totaling {{Cvt|17|km|4=}}, and 35 tunnels totaling {{Cvt|170|km|4=0}} through a region with high seismicity and difficult hydrogeological conditions.{{Cite web |title=The design of the high-speed railroad Sivas-Erzincan in Turkey was completed {{!}} RailTarget |url=https://www.railtarget.eu/technologies-and-infrastructure/the-design-of-the-highspeed-railroad-sivaserzincan-in-turkey-was-completed-589.html |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=www.railtarget.eu |language=en}} The {{Cvt|247|km|4=}} section will start from the current station in Sivas, through Hafik, Zara, Imranli, Refahiye, and end in Erzincan.{{Cite web |last=www.larin.it |first=Larin |date=2021-07-06 |title=247 km of high speed rail successfully finalized! |url=https://www.swsglobal.com/2021/07/06/247-km-of-high-speed-rail-successfully-finalized/ |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=SYSTRA SWS |language=en-US}}
= Ankara-Kayseri =
A 142 km double-tracked electrified spur off of the Ankara-Sivas line, planned from Yerköy to Kayseri, construction began in July 2022, and is planned for completion by 2026, reducing travel times from Ankara to under 2 hours with a design speed of 250 km/h.url=https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/haber/783/
= Osmaneli-Bursa-Bandırma =
The 201 km spur off the Istanbul-Ankara line from Osmaneli to Bandırma through Bursa is under construction and is slated for completion by 2026; the full line will be built for 200 km/h operation and cost 9.5 billion lira, bringing travel times between Ankara and Bursa to 2 hours and 10 minutes.{{Cite web |last=Gazetesi |first=Dünya |date=2021-01-04 |title=Bursa'nın hızlı treni 2023'te raylarda |url=https://www.dunya.com/sehirler/bursanin-hizli-treni-2023te-raylarda-haberi-616468 |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.dunya.com |language=tr-TR |archive-date=1 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401120857/https://www.dunya.com/sehirler/bursanin-hizli-treni-2023te-raylarda-haberi-616468 |url-status=dead }} The line is 80% complete as of December 2023.{{Cite web |title=Bursa Hızlı Treni'nin Yüzde 80'i Tamamlandı |url=https://www.sayfa16.com/bursa-hizli-treninin-yuzde-80i-tamamlandi |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=SAYFA16 {{!}} Doğru haber, Doğru adres... |language=tr}}
= Istanbul-Edirne-Kapıkule =
{{Main|Istanbul–Kapıkule railway}}
A 229 km line on the European side of the Bosporus will connect Halkalı station in Istanbul with Kapıkule railway station in Edirne. Construction started in 2019 with an anticipated opening in 2025,{{Cite web |title=Halkalı-Kapıkule Hızlı Tren Projesi'nin ilk etabı 2025'te tamamlanacak |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/halkali-kapikule-hizli-tren-projesinin-ilk-etabi-2025te-tamamlanacak/3111346 |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=www.aa.com.tr}} and the project will reduce travel times from 4 hours to 1 hour 20 minutes. The double-tracked electrified railway will be built for 215 km/h operation and cost 10.5 billion lira, of which more than half is provided by a European Union grant.{{Cite web |title=Halkalı-Kapıkule Demir Yolu Projesi'nin Edirne'deki viyadük çalışmaları sürüyor |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/halkali-kapikule-demir-yolu-projesinin-edirnedeki-viyaduk-calismalari-suruyor/2370421 |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}
= Karaman-Ulukışla-Yenice =
A further 135 km extension Ankara-Konya-Karaman line is currently in construction to Ulukışla, which is 89% complete as of winter 2022.{{Cite web |last=2022-01-20T13:56:00 |title=Rebuilt Konya – Karaman route opens |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/infrastructure/rebuilt-konya-karaman-route-opens/60762.article |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}} Extensions from Ulukışla to Yenice and Aksaray are in the process of being tendered as of 2021, the 200 km/h line is planned to eventually connect to Mersin - Adana - Gaziantep high speed line.{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Aksaray Ulukışla Yenice High Speed Train Project Included in AYGM's Investment Program |url=https://www.raillynews.com/2021/04/Aksaray-ulukis-and-the-new-high-speed-train-project-has-been-included-in-the-investment-program-of-its-device/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |website=Railly News}} The Mersin-Adana-Osmaniye-Gaziantep high speed line is expected to open in 2024.
=Ankara–İzmir high-speed line=
The project has started and is tentatively planned to open in 2027.{{Cite web |title=ANKARA-İZMİR HIZLI TREN HATTI 2027'DE HİZMETE GİRECEK - Haberler - T.C. Ulaştırma ve Altyapı Bakanlığı |url=https://www.uab.gov.tr/haberler/ankara-izmir-hizli-tren-hatti-2027-de-hizmete-girecek |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=www.uab.gov.tr |language=tr}}
The line will pass through Afyon to meet the high-speed line from Ankara to Istanbul near Polatlı. It will have a length of 624 km, with a projected running speed of 250 km/h The travel will take 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The construction of line is planned in three phases:
| class="wikitable"
|+Ankara–İzmir high-speed line construction !Line section !Length (km) !Start / opening date !Notes |
| Ankara–Polatlı junction
|98 |2004–2009/prior work |Constructed as part of the Ankara to Istanbul high-speed line, on the Sincan – Eskişehir section. |
| Polatlı–Konya the 120 km mark |27 |2007–2011/prior work |Constructed as part of the Ankara to Konya high-speed line, on the Phase 1 section. |
| Phase 1 Polatlı–Afyon |167 |2016–2018 |The line uses first 120 km. of Ankara – Konya high-speed line. The junction is located approximately 20 km south of Polatlı. Number of tunnels: 11 --- Total tunnel length: 8,000 meters |
| Phase 2 Afyon–Uşak | |2018–2019 |Tendered in 2017. |
| Phase 3 Uşak–Manisa–İzmir | |2019–2027 |Under construction. |
High-speed train sets and production facilities
=TREVI ETR 500 test trains=
{{see also|ETR 500}}
The first high-speed trains to run on Turkish rails were two ETR 500 train sets rented from Trenitalia of Italy and were used for testing the completed part of the high-speed railway network, between Eskişehir and Ankara, on 23 April 2007.[http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/ankara/6389114.asp?gid=140 Hürriyet: Hızlı tren artık raylarda] During the tests, ETR 500 Y2 achieved the current rail speed record in Turkey, reaching 303 km/h.{{cite web |url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Economia%20e%20Lavoro/2007/09/turchia-battuto-record-velocita.shtml?uuid=34015b4e-5f70-11dc-b5d3-00000e251029&DocRulesView=Libero|title=Nuovo record di velocità del treno italiano Etr 500 in Turchia: 303 km/h|date=14 September 2007 |publisher=Il Sole 24 Ore|language=it |access-date=11 November 2012}}
=Siemens Velaro TR=
{{Main|TCDD HT80000}}
The Velaro TR (TCDD HT80000) is a Velaro D derived 8-car standard gauge high-speed train for the Turkish State Railways (TCDD).{{cite web |url=http://www.mobility.siemens.com/mobility/global/SiteCollectionDocuments/en/rail-solutions/high-speed-and-intercity-trains/velaro/datasheet-velaro-tr-en.pdf |title=Velaro Turkey High-Speed Train |publisher=Mobility.siemens.com |access-date=2015-06-20 |archive-date=18 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518101110/http://www.mobility.siemens.com/mobility/global/SiteCollectionDocuments/en/rail-solutions/high-speed-and-intercity-trains/velaro/datasheet-velaro-tr-en.pdf |url-status=dead }} The eight cars, totalling a length of 200 m, can accommodate 519 passengers and reach a top speed of 300 km/h. 25 kV 50 Hz AC power the train with a total of 8 MW.
Turkish State Railways (TCDD) placed an order for seven Velaro high-speed trainsets in July 2013.{{cite news | url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/turkey-orders-siemens-velaro-high-speed-trainsets.html | title=Turkey orders Siemens Velaro high speed trainsets |date=8 July 2013 |work=Railway Gazette International}} The contract is worth €285M, including seven years of maintenance. The Velaros are to be deployed on the Turkish high-speed railway network. The first Siemens Velaro TR entered service in 2014.{{Cite web |url=https://railturkeytr.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/tcddvelarobyjeff.jpg |title=TCDD's first Siemens Velaro train set at the Ankara Central Station |access-date=21 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013125028/https://railturkeytr.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/tcddvelarobyjeff.jpg |archive-date=13 October 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
On 18 February 2015, TCDD ordered another 10 Velaro TR for delivery in 2017.{{cite news | url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/tcdd-orders-10-more-velaros.html | title=TCDD orders 10 more Velaros |date=18 February 2015 |work=Railway Gazette International}} The €400M contract include the first three years of maintenance and spareparts.
Unlike the traditional white – red – dark blue color scheme used on the TCDD HT65000 high-speed trains, a white – turquoise – grey color scheme has been selected for the livery of TCDD's Velaro TR trains.
=EUROTEM=
{{Main|EUROTEM}}
{{see also|HSR-350x|KTX-II}}
EUROTEM, alternatively Hyundai EURotem, is a joint enterprise between Hyundai Rotem of South Korea and TÜVASAŞ of Turkey which was established in 2006[http://www.euromedtransport.org/fileadmin/download/maincontract/tf/TF_R_RTransport_21Nov08/PPP_Rail_Transport_Turkey.pdf Presentation of the Rail Transport – Turkey] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522222201/http://www.euromedtransport.org/fileadmin/download/maincontract/tf/TF_R_RTransport_21Nov08/PPP_Rail_Transport_Turkey.pdf |date=22 May 2019 }} Tevfik Muhammed YEŞİLÇAM (TCDD) 21 November 2008 Page 29, www.euromedtransport.org and started production in December 2007. The Hyundai EURotem factory in Adapazarı, Turkey, was built as the Hızlı Tren Fabrikası (High-Speed Train Factory) with the purpose of manufacturing the next generation of Turkey's high-speed train sets.[https://web.archive.org/web/20221114214946/https://www.tcdd.gov.tr/kurumsal/fabrikalar/hizlitrenfabrikasi.pdf TCDD: Hızlı Tren Fabrikası (High-Speed Train Factory)]
See also
Notes and references
=Notes=
=References=
{{reflist|2}}
{{notelist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120226181921/http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/index.htm TCDD: Turkish State Railways]
- [http://www.rayhaber.com RayHaber: Turkish railway news webpage and magazine]
- [https://tcddtrensaatleri.com/ Tren Saatleri] (Turkish)
{{High-speed rail in Turkey}}
{{High-speed rail}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:High-Speed Rail In Turkey}}