Ankara-Sivas High-Speed Railway: Project Profile

The Ankara-Sivas High-Speed Railway is a 405-kilometer electrified, double-track line engineered to integrate Turkey’s capital with eastern Anatolia. As a key component of the Edirne-Kars east-west corridor, this project sets a national benchmark in overcoming challenging topography through extensive viaduct and tunnel construction. The line is equipped with modern ERTMS Level 1/2 signaling to ensure high safety standards and operational efficiency.

Technical Specifications

The Ankara-Sivas line was constructed to navigate the demanding geographical terrain of central Anatolia, requiring significant civil engineering works. The infrastructure includes 49 tunnels totaling 66 km and 52 viaducts spanning 28 km. The longest tunnel, the Akdağmadeni Tunnel, measures 5,125 meters, while the longest viaduct at Çerikli-Kırıkkale extends 2,210 meters. The line operates on a 1,435mm standard gauge double track, powered by a 25kV AC overhead electrification system. To ensure durability and minimize maintenance at high-stress transition zones, specialized solutions such as sleeper pads and ballast mats were extensively installed.

Signaling and train control are managed by the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), incorporating both ETCS Level 1 and Level 2 for enhanced safety and interoperability. This system allows for precise train management and ensures compliance with European high-speed rail standards. Operations are overseen from a central traffic control station in Sivas, coordinating a fleet of trains with a capacity of over 500 passengers each, drastically reducing the Ankara-Sivas travel time from 12 hours on the conventional line to approximately 2 hours.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Connectivity: The line serves as a critical artery in Turkey’s east-west rail corridor, enhancing connectivity between Ankara and eastern provinces and strengthening the link between European and Asian trade routes.
• Economic Catalyst: By reducing travel time by over 80%, the project stimulates regional economic development, trade, and tourism between major Anatolian cities.
• Engineering Benchmark: The successful completion of the project, with its extensive tunneling and viaducts across difficult terrain, demonstrates Turkey’s advanced capabilities in executing large-scale, technologically complex infrastructure initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Ankara-Sivas high-speed line open?

The Ankara-Sivas high-speed railway line officially opened for passenger service on April 26, 2023. This marked a significant milestone in Turkey’s high-speed rail network expansion.

Who built the Ankara-Sivas high-speed line?

The construction was a multi-contractor effort. The primary consortium for the large Yerköy-Sivas section was a joint venture including China Major Bridge, Cengiz, Mapa, Limak, and Kolin. Other key contractors included Yapi Merkezi for electrification, YÜKSEL and SÖĞÜT for infrastructure on the Kayaş-Kırıkkale section, and Siemens for signaling technology.