High Speed Train should be on the Istanbul-Gebze-Kocaeli-Sakarya-Hendek-Düzce-Bolu-Gerede-Kızılcahamam-Ankara line!
Prof. Dr. Ayhan Şamandar's proposal envisages changing the route of the existing Istanbul-Ankara High Speed Train (YHT) line and passing it through Bolu. Şamandar argues that the current route excludes the Western and Central Black Sea and therefore an alternative route passing through Bolu would be more beneficial.
Advantages of the alternative route
The alternative route suggested by Şamandar is shorter and more economical than the current route. While the total length of this route is 442 kilometers, the length of the current route is 537 kilometers. The cost of the alternative route is estimated at 5 billion dollars, while the cost of the current route is 8 billion dollars.
The alternative route will directly benefit 6 provinces and 4 districts, especially Bolu. This will contribute to the economic and social development of provinces and districts. Additionally, with the construction of the alternative route, the Istanbul-Batumi train line will be implemented.
Importance of Bolu
Bolu is an important tourism and agriculture center of Turkey. Additionally, Bolu's geopolitical location is also important. Bolu is a junction point connecting the Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions.
Şamandar's proposal will increase the importance of Bolu in regional development and transportation network. This is considered an important step that can contribute to the further economic and social development of Bolu.
Prof. Dr. Ayhan Şamandar's suggestion provides a good justification for changing the route of the existing Istanbul-Ankara YHT line. The alternative route is shorter, more economical and more beneficial than the current route. Therefore, it would be useful to evaluate the alternative route.