Türkiye Expands Rail Network with Focus on Domestic Innovation

Türkiye aims to expand its railway network to 17,500 kilometers by 2028, while increasing domestic production and developing homegrown railway technologies. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Since 2002, the national rail system has grown from 11,000 kilometers to 13,919 kilometers, including 2,251 kilometers of high-speed lines. Türkiye now ranks sixth in Europe and eighth worldwide for high-speed rail operations.

Türkiye Prioritizes Domestic Rail Production

But expansion is only part of the strategy. The government also plans to locally produce trains, wagons, and related technologies using national resources and facilities. This goal supports industrial independence and long-term sustainability.

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Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced the strategy during a ceremony marking the delivery of next-generation vehicles by TÜRASAŞ to TCDD Taşımacılık. These include electric locomotives, passenger trains, and specialized wagons.

The new E5000 Electric Locomotive—entirely designed and built in Eskişehir—is Türkiye’s first mainline model developed using 100% domestic components. This milestone highlights the country’s focus on innovation and industrial capability.

Türkiye Outlines Long-Term Railway Expansion Plan

Uraloğlu confirmed that five of the planned 95 locomotives have been delivered, calling it the start of “a new era” for national manufacturing. Fifteen more units will be produced in 2025, followed by 30 in 2026 and 45 in 2027.

Türkiye’s long-term goal is to reach 28,500 kilometers of rail, supported by a fully localized production system. Officials believe this strategy will strengthen economic resilience and reduce dependence on imports.

Through continued investment in infrastructure and technology, the country is positioning itself as a global player in rail development and transportation solutions.

Source, photo: www.hurriyetdailynews.com

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