High-speed train coming to cut 4-hour journey to 1.5 hours

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that work is continuing at full speed on the construction of the Halkalı–Ispartakule high-speed train line, which will provide a major transformation on the western side of Istanbul.

Expressing that the Halkalı–Ispartakule Railway Line will play a critical role in the country's transport network and support economic and social mobility, Uraloğlu announced that the project is part of the Halkalı–Kapıkule High-Speed Train Project.

HALKALI–KAPIKULE LINE WILL CREATE A CHANGE ON THE RAILS

Minister Uraloğlu stated that the project consists of three main sections, saying, “Our Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Train Line consists of 3 stages: the 153 km Kapıkule-Çerkezköy stage, the 67 km Çerkezköy-Ispartakule stage, and the 8.4 km Ispartakule-Halkalı stage where we are currently located. With the completion of all stages, we plan to increase the current line capacity by 4 times, reduce passenger travel time from 4 hours to 1 hour and 30 minutes, and freight transport time from 8.5 hours to 3.5 hours. When our line is completed, it will have an annual capacity of 2.7 million passengers and 33.5 million tons of freight. In our Halkalı-Ispartakule stage, we are carrying out the infrastructure, superstructure, electrification, signaling, and telecommunication works for the entire 8.4 km long new high-speed train line, including a 6.4 km double-tube TBM tunnel, two cut-and-cover tunnels with a length of 634 meters, and a 1.38 km open line.”

INTEGRATED WITH MARMARAY, NEW CONNECTION TO THE AIRPORT

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Uraloğlu pointed out that the new high-speed train line will function as a natural extension of Marmaray. Uraloğlu said, “When our work is completed, we will integrate Istanbul with the Çerkezköy district and from there to the Kapıkule Line, providing passenger and freight services from the existing Halkalı Station via the 67 km line that will continue from Ispartakule. Our Halkalı-Ispartakule High-Speed Train Line has another very important aspect. As this line forms an important part of our national railway network, it will also connect the western side of Istanbul more strongly to the rail system network as a natural extension of Marmaray. It will also work like a suburban line for the area beyond Halkalı. Thanks to the tunnels we have opened, our citizens in Esenyurt and Bahçeşehir, which are in the hinterland of Ispartakule, will gain access to Istanbul's rail system network. Thus, 3.1 million citizens in this region who want to reach the metropolis, especially during rush hours, will be able to reach almost every part of Istanbul from all stations up to Gebze via Marmaray. Our fellow citizens, who are condemned to traffic during the busy morning and evening hours, will travel with a comfortable, fast, and safe rail system.”

Minister Uraloğlu also stated that the construction of the Halkalı–Arnavutköy line is largely complete and that this will provide a new integrated transport opportunity between Gayrettepe and Istanbul Airport, adding: “With the completion of the Halkalı-Arnavutköy section within a month or two, travel time between Halkalı and Gayrettepe stations via the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport ring will be completed in 57 minutes.”

News Source: 12punto