Turkey high-speed train testing starts as build is completed

Production of Turkey’s domestically developed high-speed train has been finished, and Turkey high-speed train testing will begin this week, according to Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. This was reported by Railway Pro.

The train has been built by Türasaş, the country’s main rail manufacturer operating under the Ministry of Transport. Also, the company is responsible for developing and producing national trains, including locomotives, electric multiple units, and high-speed trains.

Turkey high-speed train testing: what will be evaluated

During the testing process, the Turkish high-speed train will be checked against its performance criteria. In addition, that includes speed, braking, running behaviour and infrastructure compatibility. Still, with the introduction of the Turkish high-speed train into service, the share of locally produced trains in Turkey’s high-speed fleet is expected to increase significantly.

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National Electric High-Speed Train Project and fleet plans

The production programme is tied to the “National Electric High-Speed Train Project”, part of Turkey’s railway industry development strategy to reduce dependence on imported high-speed trains and support the local industry, as previously covered by Railway Supply.

Meanwhile, according to current plans, 14 high-speed trains will be produced between 2026 and 2028. “Considering that 31 trainsets are currently operating on our high-speed lines, we will have produced nearly half of this fleet as our national trains,” the minister stated.

Train specifications, onboard systems and accessibility

The new high-speed train will consist of eight aluminium-bodied carriages with a total capacity of 577 passengers. It includes two compartments for passengers with disabilities, as well as lifts to allow wheelchair users to board and alight from the platform to the train and vice versa. “We designed our trains to meet current and future needs with a high level of comfort and innovation,” Uraloğlu added.

Each carriage will be equipped with a train control and monitoring system, an automatic train stop system, automatic electromechanical passenger doors, fully automated air conditioning, fire detection, audio-visual passenger information systems, and CCTV systems. Passengers will also have access to Wi-Fi, vending machines for food and drinks, and a kitchen-restaurant area.

The train is designed to operate at speeds of over 225 km/h. Separately, Turkey has announced it will produce a hydrogen-powered train as part of a collaboration with the United Kingdom, with Türasaş involved in the project.

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