In recent years, Türkiye has made important breakthroughs in many areas such as industry, education, health and technology. Among these breakthroughs, the rail systems sector has a strategic importance in increasing the country's international competitiveness. In this context, the National Rail Systems Test and Research Center (URAYSİM) project supported by Anadolu University stands out as an important step that will enable Turkey to become a global player in the field of rail systems. In this article, we will discuss in detail the importance of URAYSİM, the innovations it provides and its effects in the international arena.
Establishment and Objectives of URAYSİM
URAYSİM was designed as Turkey's first and most comprehensive test and research center in the field of rail systems. The project, which was submitted to the State Planning Organization in 2010, was included in the 2012 investment program and was included in the Presidential investment program in 2021. In 2023, it was granted legal entity status by the relevant authorities and was prepared to officially start operating. This center will provide a comprehensive infrastructure for testing, certification and R&D studies of rail systems vehicles.
Historical Importance of Eskişehir and the Place of URAYSİM
Eskişehir is known as a city with a deep-rooted history in Turkey's railway industry. The first factory was established for the Berlin-Baghdad Railway line in 1894, and during the Republican period, Eskişehir became the production center of railway vehicles. The organization known as TÜLOMSAŞ is today Türkiye Rail System Vehicles Industry Inc. It operates under the name (TÜRASAŞ) and carries out the manufacturing, maintenance and repair of railway vehicles. Bringing URAYSİM to Eskişehir will consolidate the city's leadership in the railway industry by combining this deep-rooted history with modern technology.
No More Foreign Dependency
One of the most important contributions of URAYSİM is that it will end Turkey's foreign dependency in the field of rail systems. The center will carry out the testing and certification of railway vehicles in Turkey, and thus it will be possible to ensure that domestic manufacturers comply with international standards more quickly and cost-effectively. This will support our country to gain a stronger position in the international rail system market.
Unique Technological Capabilities in Europe
URAYSİM is designed to offer advanced technology services not available in Europe for the testing and certification of high-speed trains. Beyond the services offered by existing centers in Europe, URAYSİM will become an attractive center for railway vehicle manufacturers from surrounding countries and European countries. In this way, Türkiye will stand out as a global player in the field of rail system technology and certification.
Increasing Competitiveness in the World
URAYSİM will promote the export of railway vehicles and components by meeting the needs of the Republic of Turkey State Railways (TCDD) and other light rail systems. This center has the potential to make our country an important player in the international market by providing R&D and international certification of products in the railway sector. When it becomes operational, it will make a great contribution to Turkey's domestic and national production projects in the field of rail systems.
Project Scope and Technical Details
URAYSİM will operate not only as a testing and certification center, but also as a comprehensive R&D and design center. This center will undertake a number of activities such as the production of high-strength materials that can be used in rail system vehicles, the development of long-lasting rail and wheel technologies, the production of environmentally friendly materials and the development of energy saving methods. In addition, work will be carried out in important areas such as signaling systems, safe navigation and increasing vehicle safety.
Anadolu University's Contributions and Management
Anadolu University plays an important role in the realization of the URAYSİM project. The university meticulously carries out all the research and development studies required for the project and works intensively to establish this center that will make a great contribution to Eskişehir and our country. The board members include TÜRASAŞ General Manager and URAYSİM Board Chairman Mustafa Metin Yazar, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tuncan from Eskişehir Technical University, Dr. Yalçın Eyigün from AYGM of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Ufuk Yalçın from TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş., Gürhan Albayrak from Albayrak Makina A.Ş. Bozankaya There are names such as Yiğit Belin from A.Ş. This management team takes all steps meticulously to ensure the success of URAYSİM.
URAYSİM is a project that will increase Turkey's international competitiveness in the field of rail systems and make our country one of the important players in the global market in this field. This center, which will be established in Eskişehir, will become an important center not only for Türkiye but also for the world. Anadolu University and other relevant institutions continue to work with great dedication and meticulousness to successfully implement this project. URAYSİM will fill the deficiencies in the fields of science, technology and transportation and provide great added value to our country.
