Türkiye has made a name for itself in recent years with its investments in rail transportation systems. High Speed Train (HST) projects, is at the forefront with its goals of both shortening transportation time and providing economic and touristic contributions. One of these projects is Silk Railway Project, is of great importance not only for Türkiye but also for the international transportation network.
What is the Silk Railway Project?
Silk Railway Project, An uninterrupted high-speed train line between Ankara and Edirne It is one of the most prestigious transportation projects in Turkey, aiming to create an integrated transportation line from the west to the east of Turkey and to strengthen the connection between Europe and Asia.
Main Objectives of the Project
- Reducing Transportation Time: To minimize the travel time between Ankara and Edirne.
- Economic and Commercial Contribution: To increase the trade volume between Europe and Asia.
- Sustainable Transportation: Providing environmentally friendly transportation solutions that reduce carbon emissions.
- International Connection: To provide an integrated railway network in Europe.
Technical Specifications of the Project
The Silk Railway Project draws attention with its technological infrastructure and comprehensive engineering work. The technical details of the project are as follows:
- Line Length: A total of 229 kilometers of railway lines.
- Underpasses and Overpasses: 53 underpasses and 59 overpasses.
- Bridges and Tunnels: 16 railway bridges, 2 tunnels and 3 viaducts.
- Auxiliary Structures: The infrastructure was supported with 194 culverts.
- Connection Points: Kapıkule-Çerkezköy-Istanbul Airport line.
Project Phases and Timeline
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, shared the following information about the stages and target dates of the Silk Railway Project:
- Çerkezköy-Kapıkule Stage (153 km): It will be completed by the end of 2025.
- Ispartakule-Çerkezköy Stage (67 km): It will be put into service in 2028.
- Halkalı-Ispartakule Stage (9 km): It will be completed by 2028.
In line with this schedule, the project is planned to be fully operational by 2028.
Economic and Social Contributions of the Silk Railway
Once completed, the Silk Railway Project will not only facilitate transportation but will also make extensive contributions to the economic and social fields:
- Tourism Revenues: Revival of tourist routes extending from Ankara to Edirne.
- Development of Trade: Creating a strong connecting point in the Europe-Asia trade corridor.
- Employment Creation: Employment for thousands of people within the scope of the project.
- Environmental Benefit: Providing an environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure by reducing fossil fuel consumption.
European Support and International Cooperation
The Silk Railway Project is an investment that attracts the attention of not only Turkey but also international organizations. European Union funds ve Financial support from the European Development Bank This project, which was implemented with, increases Turkey's international cooperation in the field of transportation. It is known that Europe aims to establish a more effective connection in economic and logistics networks with the completion of the project.
Uninterrupted High Speed Train from Edirne to Ankara
One of the most striking aspects of the Silk Railway Project is that An uninterrupted high-speed train line between Edirne and Ankara With the completion of the project:
- Kapıkule-Çatalca-Istanbul Airport-Ankara route will become active.
- Train line, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge It will form an important connection point between Asia and Europe by passing through it.
- Çerkezköy- Sofia train services will be one of the first international connections planned to start in 2025.
Silk Railway: The Transportation Project of the Future
The Silk Road Project, which will be a significant turning point in Turkey's transportation history, When completed and put into service in 2028 will bring with it many innovations. This line, extending from Ankara to Edirne, from Europe to Asia, will strengthen Turkey's strategic position.
With the implementation of this giant project, Türkiye will become an exemplary model in the international arena with its modern, environmentally friendly and fast transportation solutions. Silk Railway, is not only a transportation project, but also an economic, social and environmental development project.
