Halkali-Kapikule High-Speed Rail: 2026 Construction Update

Turkey’s Halkali-Kapikule high-speed rail line, boosting trade and connectivity, is now operational. This vital project links Istanbul to the Bulgarian border.

Halkali-Kapikule High-Speed Rail: 2026 Construction Update
September 3, 2020 8:36 am
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Project Profile: Halkali-Kapikule High-Speed Railway Line

The Halkali-Kapikule Railway Line is a landmark infrastructure project establishing a 200 km/h double-track, electrified connection between Istanbul and the Turkish-Bulgarian border. Engineered to integrate Turkey’s rail network with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), this line significantly enhances freight and passenger capacity along the critical Orient/East-Med Corridor.

AttributeDetails
Project NameHalkali-Kapikule High-Speed Railway Line
LocationIstanbul (Halkali) to Kapikule (Edirne province, Bulgarian border), Turkey
Route LengthApproximately 230 km
Design Speed200 km/h
Estimated CostOver €1 billion
Status (as of late 2025)Operational / Final Testing Phase
Key ContractorsSalini Impregilo (Webuild Group) & Kolin İnşaat (Joint Venture)

Technical Specifications

The project’s engineering scope covers the construction of a fully electrified, double-track railway designed for mixed traffic. The route is segmented into three primary sections: Halkali-Ispartakule, Ispartakule-Çerkezköy, and the 153 km Çerkezköy-Kapikule stretch. The entire line is equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 1, ensuring interoperability with European networks and enhancing operational safety. Significant civil engineering works were required to navigate the region’s terrain, including the construction of 16 railway bridges, 2 viaducts, 10 cut-and-cover tunnels, and numerous overpasses and underpasses to maintain existing transport links.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic European Integration: The line is a core component of the EU’s Orient/East-Med Corridor, physically linking Turkey’s rail system to the TEN-T network and strengthening economic ties.
  • Enhanced Trade and Logistics: By providing a high-capacity, high-speed rail alternative to road transport, the project drastically cuts transit times for freight, boosting trade between Europe, Turkey, and Central Asia via the “Iron Silk Road.”
  • Modernization of Infrastructure: The adoption of ERTMS Level 1 signaling and full electrification represents a significant technological upgrade for the Turkish railway system, improving efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Halkali-Kapikule line be fully operational?
The Halkali-Kapikule railway line entered its final testing and phased operational stages throughout 2025. Full passenger and freight services along the entire route are anticipated to be available by early to mid-2026, pending final commissioning and safety certifications.

Who is building the Halkali-Kapikule railway?
The primary construction consortium for the main section is a joint venture led by Italian firm Salini Impregilo (now Webuild Group) and Turkish contractor Kolin İnşaat. The project owner and sponsor is the Turkish State Railways (TCDD), with financing support from the European Union, EBRD, and AIIB.