Türkiye has expanded its high-speed rail network with the opening of a 153-kilometer section connecting Çerkezköy, near Istanbul, to Kapıkule on the Bulgarian border. This development brings the network closer to the European Union, enhancing transport links and trade connectivity. The new rail section constitutes the longest segment of the 229-kilometer railway line from Halkalı to Kapıkule, which originates from the outskirts of Istanbul. The inauguration ceremony in Kırklareli province was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.
President Erdoğan emphasized that the railway extension would bolster Türkiye’s transport infrastructure, facilitate access to European markets, and support the nation’s export goals. The project is anticipated to boost production, employment, trade, and tourism in the region. With this expansion, the provinces of Tekirdağ, Kırklareli, and Edirne are now integrated into Türkiye’s high-speed rail network, raising the total number of provinces served to 14.
The newly opened railway section is designed for both passenger and freight transport, featuring double tracks, electrification, and modern signaling systems to permit speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. As a result, passenger travel times between Halkalı and Kapıkule are expected to decrease significantly from four hours to 1.5 hours, while freight transit times will reduce from 8.5 hours to 3.5 hours. The annual passenger capacity is projected to grow from 600,000 to approximately three million, with freight capacity expected to increase from 1.5 million to 9.5 million tonnes.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu highlighted the railway’s role in fortifying trade links between Türkiye and the EU. The project supports the Middle Corridor, a crucial trade route that connects Asia and Europe through Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Türkiye. The 153-kilometer section was jointly financed by Türkiye and the EU, while Türkiye’s Transport Ministry constructed the remaining 76 kilometers. The railway is part of the broader Trans-European Transport Network.
Erdoğan noted that the railway would enhance connectivity between European markets and industrial hubs in Istanbul, Kocaeli, Tekirdağ, and the Thrace region, as well as nearby ports. The country’s overall railway network has now reached 13,919 kilometers, including 7,274 kilometers of electrified lines, with plans to extend the network to 28,590 kilometers by 2053. This expansion aligns with Türkiye’s long-term strategy to improve logistics, strengthen international trade, and enhance connections between Europe and Asia.