Turkey is rapidly advancing towards becoming a major player in the global logistics network with the huge investments it has made in its transportation infrastructure in recent years. The $62.8 billion investment made in the railway sector in particular further strengthens the country’s strategic position between Asia and Europe. The planned new railway lines and international transport corridors have the potential to make Türkiye one of the main routes of global logistics.
Second Railway Connection Coming to the Bosphorus
The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) has launched a massive project that will provide a second railway connection to the Bosphorus: the Gebze-Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge-Istanbul Airport-Çatalca Railway Project. This new line will significantly increase the intercontinental freight and passenger transport capacity by passing through the northern axis of Istanbul. With the completion of the project, it is aimed to lighten the load on the existing railway network and provide faster, uninterrupted transportation.
Development Path Corridor Becomes an Alternative to the Middle Corridor
The Development Path Corridor project, an important part of Türkiye’s global logistics vision, is also progressing rapidly. This huge corridor, which will start from the Persian Gulf and extend to Europe, will be a strong alternative to the current Middle Corridor. With the implementation of the project, Turkey will take its logistics integration with neighboring countries to the highest level and make significant contributions to the revitalization of trade in the region. The Development Path Corridor is considered a strategic move that will accelerate the economic development of not only Türkiye but the entire region.
Important Position in High Speed Trains in Europe
Turkey has risen to an important position in Europe with its high-speed train (HST) investments. Currently having a 2-kilometer HST network, Turkey ranks 251th in Europe in this area. However, Türkiye’s goals are not limited to this. With the planned 6 kilometers of new HST lines, Turkey aims to further consolidate its strong position in Europe. The expansion of the high-speed train network will modernize intercity transportation and make significant contributions to logistics transportation.
Earthquake Zone Gets Railway Network
All the state's resources have been mobilized to repair the railway lines in the regions that were severely affected by the February 6 earthquakes. In this context, intensive work is being carried out to restore the damaged lines by spending 19.2 billion TL. In particular, the Malatya-Narlı-Nurdağı line is planned to be put back into operation within the next month. These works are of great importance in terms of restoring the transportation infrastructure in the earthquake zone and revitalizing the regional economy.
Commuter Lines Breathe New Life into Urban Transportation
Suburban systems, which provide solutions to traffic problems in metropolitan areas, constitute an important part of Türkiye’s transportation strategy. TCDD continues to invest in suburban lines to ease intra-city transportation. Thanks to modern suburban trains and expanding line networks, the traffic burden in metropolitan areas is being relieved, while citizens are being provided with more comfortable and faster transportation opportunities. Investments in suburban lines play a critical role in achieving sustainable intra-city transportation goals.
