Turkey's railway investments continue unabated to accelerate transportation and strengthen integration with Europe. In this context, Halkalı-Kapıkule High Speed Train Line Project, will play an important role in both national and international trade and transportation. With the completion of the project, travel time between Istanbul and Edirne 1 hours 30 minutes will come down, and a critical corridor connecting Turkey to Europe will be established.
General Features of the Project
Halkalı-Kapıkule High Speed Train Line, Silk Railway route It is one of the most important parts of the European connection passing through Turkey within the scope of the project. The project, which has great potential in terms of both passenger and freight transportation, is being implemented with modern engineering techniques and environmentally friendly approaches.
Technical Details of the High Speed Train Line
- Total Length: 229 kilometers.
- Sections:
- Kapıkule-Çerkezköy: 153 kilometers.
- Çerkezköy-Ispartakule: 67 kilometers.
- Ispartakule-Halkalı: 9 kilometers.
- Speed Capacity: 200 kilometers per hour.
- Underpasses and Overpasses: 53 underpasses, 59 overpasses.
- Bridges and Tunnels: 16 railway bridges, 2 tunnels, 3 viaducts.
- Progress: The project is Kapıkule-Çerkezköy Physical progress in this section has been completed by over 80%.
Development and Stages of the Project
AK Party Edirne Deputy Fatma Aksal ve Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer According to the statements, the project is progressing rapidly. Halkalı-The part of Kapıkule Line up to Edirne To be completed by 2025, the remaining parts To be completed by 2028 is being planned. Çerkezköy-Flights to Sofia will begin in 2025.
2025 Goals
- Çerkezköy Start of regular high-speed train services between Sofia and Istanbul.
- Completion of construction works in Edirne city center.
- Carrying out test and trial drives along the route.
Final Goals for 2028
- All sections of the line are completed and put into operation.
- Establishment of an uninterrupted railway line between Europe and Türkiye.
Halkalı-Regional and International Importance of Kapıkule Project
Halkalı-The Kapıkule High Speed Train Line is more than just a means of transportation between Istanbul and Edirne, An important logistics and trade line connecting Asia and Europe It is positioned as.
Regional Contributions of the Project
- Reduction of Travel Time: The travel time between Istanbul and Edirne will be reduced to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Economic Development: The trade volume in Edirne and its surroundings will increase, contributing to the local economy.
- Relief of Urban Transportation: Istanbul's heavy traffic will decrease and alternative transportation options will increase.
International Importance
- Integrated Transport to Europe: An uninterrupted connection will be provided from Turkey to Europe by railway.
- Acceleration of Trade: Costs in freight transportation will decrease and times will be shortened.
- Revival in Tourism: The convenience of fast transportation will increase touristic interest in the region.
European Union and International Cooperations
The project is being implemented with the support of European Union funds and the European Development Bank. Halkalı-Çerkezköy The section between is being built with EU funds, which once again shows the importance of international cooperation.
Funding and Collaboration
- European Union Funds: It was used in the construction of a large part of the line.
- European Development Bank Loan: Provided for the construction of the middle section.
These financial supports ensure the rapid progress of the project while strengthening Turkey's strategic ties with Europe.
Çerkezköy-Sofia Expeditions and Future Plans
Fatma Aksal, Çerkezköy-Sofia expeditions It is planned to start in 2025 This connection will be one of the first concrete steps towards Turkey's integration into the European railway network.
Additional Goals
- Kapıkule-Çatalca Connection: Establishing a new high-speed train line via Istanbul Airport.
- Connection to Ankara: Ensuring integration with the Northern Marmara Railway Project.
Turkey's Railway Future
Halkalı-Kapıkule High Speed Train Line is an important milestone in Turkey's transportation infrastructure. The project is targeted to be completed by 2028, will make major contributions to both regional development and international trade. This line, extending from Istanbul to Edirne, will serve for many years as part of a modern transportation network connecting Turkey to Europe.
