Ankara-Izmir High-Speed Railway Project Profile

The Ankara-Izmir High-Speed Railway (YHT) is a landmark infrastructure project designed to establish a direct, high-capacity rail link between Turkey’s capital, Ankara, and its third-largest city, Izmir. This strategic corridor will significantly reduce travel times, enhance economic integration between the Anatolian and Aegean regions, and form a critical component of Turkey’s national high-speed rail network expansion. The project is engineered for high operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability, backed by significant international green financing.

Technical Specifications

The 503.2 km double-track electrified line is being constructed in multiple phases, traversing the provinces of Ankara, Eskisehir, Afyonkarahisar, Kutahya, Usak, Manisa, and Izmir. The project involves extensive civil engineering works, including the construction of numerous tunnels, viaducts, and bridges to navigate the challenging terrain. The railway superstructure consists of a ballasted track system with high-performance rails and sleepers designed for speeds up to 250 km/h. The electrification infrastructure is based on a modern overhead catenary system powered by a network of substations. For command and control, the line will be equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 1 and supported by a GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway) telecommunications network, ensuring high safety standards and interoperability.

Key Takeaways

• Drastic Travel Time Reduction: The project will slash the Ankara-Izmir travel time from over 14 hours by conventional rail to just 3.5 hours, directly competing with air and road transport and fostering significant economic and tourism-related opportunities.
• Sustainable Infrastructure Investment: Financed with a €2.1 billion green loan, the project underscores a commitment to sustainable development. The electrified line will offer a low-carbon alternative to road transport, contributing to Turkey’s emissions reduction targets.
• Major International Collaboration: The project’s financing model, guaranteed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and involving credit agencies from Italy (SACE), Switzerland (SERV), and Austria (OeKB), highlights its global significance and the strong international confidence in Turkey’s infrastructure development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Ankara-Izmir high-speed train be finished?

The Ankara-Izmir High-Speed Railway is being constructed in several phases. While an official completion date for the entire line has not been finalized, work is actively progressing on multiple sections. Full commissioning is anticipated in the latter half of the 2020s as the different phases are completed and integrated.

Who is building the Ankara-Izmir high-speed railway?

The primary construction is managed by the ERG JV, a joint venture formed by ERG International UK, ERG Construction, and SSB Sauerwein & Schaefer Bau. Other major Turkish and international construction firms, including Doğuş Construction, Makimsan, and the YDA-Sigma-Makimsan-Burkay Partnership, are responsible for constructing various sections and associated infrastructure works.