Türkiye is embarking on an ambitious project to enhance its railway network, aiming to expand the total length to nearly 17,000 kilometers (approximately 10,563 miles) by the year 2029. This strategic initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and boosting economic growth.
Significant Expansion Plans
The Turkish government, through its Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, has set an immediate target to reach 14,913 kilometers of railway by 2027. Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu detailed the roadmap for upcoming projects during an interview with Anadolu Agency, emphasizing accelerated investments in rail infrastructure. The focus will be on connecting crucial industrial regions, logistics hubs, and ports. By prioritizing these areas, Türkiye aims to enhance operational efficiency in freight and passenger transport.
Uraloglu confirmed that in conjunction with this infrastructure expansion, the country plans to increase the proportion of double-track railways within the mainline network. Specifically, the goal is to elevate double-track lines to 22% by 2027, 24% by 2028, and finally to 25% in 2029. This development is crucial for ensuring safer and more reliable train operations while facilitating higher volumes of traffic.
Major Projects on the Horizon
Several significant railway projects are slated for completion by 2027. These include the highly anticipated Ankara-Istanbul T26 Tunnel, the Konyaray phases 2 and 3, and the Mersin-Adana-Osmaniye-Gaziantep railway segments. Additionally, the Ankara-Izmir route will see enhancements in the Polatli-Afyon stretch, along with improvements to the Filyos and Cukurova railway connections. Uraloglu’s vision for Türkiye’s railway infrastructure is not limited to the immediate future, as he aims to expand the network further to 15,989 kilometers in 2028 and 16,929 kilometers by 2029.
Boosting High-Speed Rail
As part of this comprehensive expansion, Türkiye is also keen on enhancing its high-speed rail system. Aiming to increase the high-speed railway network to 3,244 kilometers in 2027, this ambitious plan further escalates to 4,098 kilometers in 2028, and a target of 5,389 kilometers by 2029. Uraloglu highlighted that improving passenger transport efficiency is a priority, with the expected share of rail in overall passenger transportation projected to increase from 6.99% in 2027 to 7.65% by 2029.
Uraloglu reassured stakeholders that investments in high-speed rail would remain a focal point. Approximately ₺515 billion is earmarked for railway transportation in 2027, with projections suggesting that funding will top ₺622 billion in 2028 and reach around ₺748 billion by 2029.
Enhancing Freight Transportation
Furthermore, Uraloglu stressed the importance of freight transportation in the railway expansion plans. As part of efforts to create a competitive environment for combined transportation and logistics services, ongoing projects will also prioritize the safe transit of hazardous materials across various transport modes. The railway ministry aims to raise the railways’ share of freight transport, targeting 5.02% in 2027, climbing to 6.28% by 2029.
With these extensive plans for railway infrastructure expansion, Türkiye is positioning itself as a vital hub for both passenger and freight transport. By optimizing the railway network, the country not only seeks to enhance domestic mobility but also aspires to bolster international connections, further stimulating economic growth.