Ankara-Istanbul High-Speed Train Project – Railway Technology

This article explores the significant Ankara-Istanbul High-Speed Train Project, a landmark undertaking in Turkey’s railway modernization. The project aimed to address the overwhelming strain on existing road and conventional rail infrastructure between Ankara and Istanbul, two of Turkey’s largest and most important cities. Annual passenger journeys between these metropolises reached 12 million, far exceeding the capacity of the existing network. This oversaturation resulted in severe congestion and environmental pollution along the corridor. The project’s objectives extended beyond simply improving passenger travel; it sought to significantly increase the rail freight share, currently a paltry 3%, of the 48 million tons of freight annually transported by road. This ambitious project, implemented by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD), involved the construction of a modern high-speed rail line designed for speeds up to 250 km/h (156 mph), substantially reducing travel times and offering a safer, more efficient alternative to road transport. The project’s success is measured not only by its technical achievements but also by its impact on reducing congestion, improving the environment, and bolstering Turkey’s railway infrastructure for future growth.

Project Phases and Construction

The Ankara-Istanbul high-speed rail project was executed in two phases. Phase one, encompassing a 251km (157-mile) section between Sincan and Inonu, cost approximately $747 million. This phase was implemented sectionally, beginning with the Esenkent-Eskisehir section in 1999 and concluding with the final section in 2014. The second phase, covering the more geographically challenging terrain between Inonu and Gebze (158 km + 56 km), was significantly more expensive, totaling approximately $2.27 billion. This phase involved the construction of numerous bridges, viaducts, and tunnels, requiring advanced engineering solutions. The entire project resulted in a 533km (333-mile) high-speed line, 44km shorter than the existing route.

Infrastructure and Technological Advancements

The project’s success hinges on significant infrastructure upgrades. The original route was plagued by single-track segments (except for a 198km double-track section) and numerous tight curves which limited speeds. The new line features double tracks throughout, eliminating speed restrictions caused by curves. Electrification was implemented, further enhancing efficiency and speed. The project also involved the implementation of cutting-edge signaling and communications technologies. Alcatel, a French company, supplied the ETCS (European Train Control System) Level 1 automatic train control system, ensuring maximum safety. This includes bi-directional operation on selected double-track sections. Additionally, 24 LookTrac electronic interlocking systems and two NetTrac central traffic control systems were implemented for safe train routing. The extensive use of fiber-optic and copper cable networks, alongside a digital transmission and telephone system, further improved communication reliability and safety.

Rolling Stock and Operational Improvements

Ten CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) HT65000 six-car high-speed trains, each capable of carrying 419 passengers at a top speed of 250 km/h (156 mph), were procured for operation on the line. These trains are equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, video surveillance, television and music broadcasting systems, disabled access, and vacuum toilets. A computer-controlled diagnostic train control and monitoring system ensures optimal performance and maintenance. The introduction of these new trains, coupled with the high-speed infrastructure, drastically reduced travel times between Ankara and Eskisehir to 60 minutes. The projected future integration of these trains across the full Ankara-Istanbul high-speed line and the Ankara-Konya line further emphasizes their significant role in Turkey’s high-speed rail network expansion.

Project Summary and Conclusions

The Ankara-Istanbul High-Speed Train Project represents a substantial investment in Turkey’s transportation infrastructure, significantly improving travel times and efficiency between two major cities. The project successfully addressed the limitations of the previous rail route, which was characterized by its low speeds, lack of capacity and inadequate safety features. The project’s implementation involved complex engineering challenges, requiring the construction of extensive infrastructure, including numerous bridges, viaducts and tunnels. The integration of advanced signaling and communications technology alongside a fleet of modern high-speed trains has resulted in a substantial improvement in overall operational efficiency and safety. The project’s success is measured not only by the substantial reduction in travel time, from 6 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, but also by the projected increase in rail passenger market share from 10% to 78%. This achievement signifies a paradigm shift in intercity travel, offering a more comfortable, faster, and environmentally friendly alternative to road transport. The project’s long-term impact extends beyond its immediate benefits; it lays the groundwork for future expansion of Turkey’s high-speed rail network, stimulating economic growth and regional development.

Company Information:

• TCDD (Turkish State Railways): The national railway company of Turkey, responsible for planning, construction and operation of the railway network.
• Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHL): A Spanish multinational construction company involved in Phase 1 of the project.
• Alsim Alarako: A Spanish construction company involved in Phase 1 of the project.
• CRCC (China Railway Construction Corporation): A Chinese state-owned construction company involved in Phase 2 of the project.
• CMC (Construction and Management Company): A company involved in Phase 2 of the project.
• Cengiz Insaat (Cengiz Construction): A Turkish construction company involved in Phase 2 of the project.
• IC ICTAS Insaat (IC ICTAS Construction): A Turkish construction company involved in Phase 2 of the project.
• CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles): A Spanish rolling stock manufacturer that supplied the high-speed trains.
• Alcatel (now part of Nokia): A French telecommunications company that provided the signaling and communication equipment.