Turkiye has introduced its new domestically produced EMUs, built by TÜRASAŞ, on the Uzunköprü–Halkalı–Uzunköprü line, thereby expanding the operational area of this type of vehicle, which was first put into service on the Adapazarı–Gebze regional route.
Until now, the Uzunköprü–Halkalı route had been served for almost two decades by trains hauled by electric locomotives and consisting of five railcars. The introduction of the new EMUs represents a further step in Turkiye’s strategy to modernise regional rail transport and make the most of domestic rolling stock production.
The trains began operating on the new line on 22 July, “serving passengers for the first time on a route other than the Adapazarı–Gebze regional train”, said the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
With the introduction of the new EMUs on the Uzunköprü–Halkalı route, Edirne province will benefit from modern rail services to Istanbul, on one of the most important regional links in the European part of Turkiye. The Uzunköprü–Halkalı route provides the rail link between the province of Edirne, situated in the European part of Turkiye, and Istanbul, via the Halkalı railway terminal.
Capacity of 324 passengers
The domestic EMUs offer 322 seated places and two spaces for wheelchair users, with a total capacity of 324 passengers. The EMUs can operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, offering a higher level of comfort, safety and accessibility compared to conventional trains.
“By introducing these trains, we will offer passengers a more modern, safer and more comfortable travel experience. At the same time, residents of Uzunköprü and the surrounding area will benefit from better connections to Istanbul, and the quality of regional rail services will improve significantly,” said Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
The domestically produced EMUs entered commercial service in 2023 and are manufactured by TÜRASAŞ, Turkey’s leading rolling stock manufacturer, formed through the merger of TÜLOMSAŞ, TÜVASAŞ and TÜDEMSAŞ. The project forms part of the government’s strategy to develop a national railway industry and reduce dependence on imports.
The EMUs are designed for regional transport and are equipped with modern passenger information systems, access for people with reduced mobility, and facilities that comply with European standards for comfort and safety.
Since entering service, the EMUs manufactured by the Turkish industry have completed 11,551 journeys, travelled over 1.122 million kilometres and carried more than 2.63 million passengers to date.
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