Recent trials carried out on the Çerkezköy–Kapıkule section mark one of the most significant milestones in the development of this rail corridor. The project carries major implications for both the European Union’s transport network and Turkey’s strategic position along key logistics routes between Europe and Asia.
Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, undertook a test journey on the newly completed infrastructure and announced that certification procedures are now being finalised, with the section expected to enter into service by the end of the year. The milestone represents a major step forward for the Halkalı–Kapıkule project, which is modernising the principal rail link between Istanbul and the Bulgarian border.
The line forms a crucial part of the Orient/East–Mediterranean corridor within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), acting as a key interface between European rail systems and Turkey’s national network. At the same time, it completes the European segment of the Middle Corridor, the strategic route connecting Europe with the Caucasus, Central Asia and China via Turkey.
Spanning a total of 229 km, the Halkalı–Kapıkule project is divided into three sections: Halkalı–Ispartakule, Ispartakule–Çerkezköy, and Çerkezköy–Kapıkule. The final section, measuring 153 km, is the most advanced and benefits from joint financing by the European Union and Turkey.
Along the route, 31 bridges, eight tunnels, 61 overpasses, 53 underpasses and 175 culverts have been constructed. Track-laying works covering 353 km have been completed, while electrification and signalling systems are now in the final stages of implementation.
The total value of the project exceeds €1 billion, with the Çerkezköy–Kapıkule section forming part of the largest infrastructure scheme undertaken under EU–Turkey financial cooperation.
A strategic corridor for Europe
The Bulgaria–Turkey rail connection is of particular significance as it extends the TEN-T network to the European Union’s external border and strengthens trade links with Turkey, one of the most important markets in the EU’s neighbourhood.
In practical terms, the new infrastructure establishes a European-standard rail connection between Istanbul and Bulgaria, enabling the movement of both freight and passenger trains along the broader corridor linking Central Europe and Asia.
The new line is designed for speeds of up to 200 km/h and mixed traffic operations, accommodating both passenger and freight services. It features double-track infrastructure, full electrification and ERTMS Level 1 signalling, ensuring interoperability with European rail networks.
Shorter journey times and increased capacity
The project’s economic and operational benefits are substantial. According to Turkish authorities, journey times between Halkalı and Kapıkule will be reduced from four hours to just 90 minutes. Freight transit times are also expected to fall from 8.5 hours to 3.5 hours.
Annual capacity will rise significantly, from around 600,000 passengers to nearly 3 million, while freight volumes are projected to increase from 1.5 million tonnes to 9.5 million tonnes per year. These improvements are particularly important for the industrial regions of Istanbul, Kocaeli, Tekirdağ and Thrace, which will gain faster and more competitive access to European markets.
Alongside the rail upgrade, Turkey is also expanding the Kapıkule rail complex, the main cross-border gateway to Bulgaria. Its area will increase from 253,000 to 660,000 square metres, while the number of tracks will rise from 23 to 42. The aim is to reduce operational bottlenecks, speed up customs procedures and enhance capacity for international rail services.
The Bulgaria–Turkey rail connection represents far more than a standard infrastructure upgrade. It strengthens one of the key links in rail transport between the European Union and Asia and supports the shift of significant volumes of traffic from road to rail. At a time when Europe is pursuing more sustainable and efficient transport corridors, the Halkalı–Kapıkule project stands out as one of the region’s most important infrastructure investments of the past decade.
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