Turkey continues to expand its railway sector, opening new routes. The first private Pasifik Eurasia train will connect Istanbul and Budapest. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Railway Connection

The Turkish Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, announced that the train will cover the 1549-kilometer route in four days. This project marks an important step in the development of the railway connection between the two countries.

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Pasifik Eurasia plans to transport up to 750,000 tons of cargo annually. This amount equals 22,000 trucks and will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Sixty trains per month, or 600 per year, will operate along this route. This achievement is the result of Turkey’s railway liberalization process, which has been ongoing for several years.

Pasifik Eurasia has become the first private operator to provide international freight services. The new route will pass through Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary, strengthening economic ties with Europe. The minister emphasized that the route will boost not only trade development but also cooperation among regional countries.

The Railway Connection Between Istanbul and Budapest Strengthens Economic Ties

Particular attention is given to the Silk Road, a significant railway corridor connecting Asia and Europe. This route is the shortest, safest, and most environmentally friendly way to transport goods. Important shipments, such as construction materials and industrial goods, will be transported along this route.

In 2023, 9,340 trips carried 1.9 million TEUs between China and Europe. This figure continues to grow, as rail freight becomes increasingly popular. Minister Uraloglu noted that Turkey’s strategic location allows it to become a key country for international trade.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route, launched in 2017, has played an essential role in developing rail freight between China and Europe. Containers from China reach Turkey in 12 days and Europe in 18 days. The first train on this route departed in October 2019 and reached the Czech Republic in 18 days, setting a new record for railway connections.

Container shipments between Turkey and China continue to rise. Since the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line, over 67,281 TEUs of cargo have been transported along the route. The volume of shipments is expected to increase in the coming years, reaching new records.

The minister also discussed the Yavuz Sultan Selim Railway Bridge project, which will become part of a new rail corridor. This project has attracted attention from international investors, including the World Bank. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, marking an important step in developing the country’s transport infrastructure.

Why the New Railway Connection Is Crucial for Turkey’s Role in International Trade

The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge will be one of the largest railway projects in the world. It will connect the Asian and European parts of Turkey, significantly reducing delivery times for goods. The railway project is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and become a key milestone in its development.

Turkey plans to expand its railway network from 13,920 kilometers to 28,590 kilometers by 2053. The country aims to increase the share of rail transport in its overall transportation system, reducing pressure on road networks.

This route will have strategic significance not only for Turkey but also for the entire Europe. Economic and transportation links between countries will strengthen, especially as demand for eco-friendly and safe transport grows.

With this new route, Turkey will become an important link in trade between Asia and Europe. As railway transportation grows, the country will solidify its position on the international stage, further developing and expanding its infrastructure.

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