Turkiye State Railways (TCDD) is currently implementing a railway modernisation program aimed at optimizing railway infrastructure maintenance, which includes, in particular, the modernization of the vehicle fleet, the adoption of sustainable measures, and ensuring efficiency across the 13,900 km network.
In addition to these projects, the program also includes specific training for TCDD staff and a digital approach to ensure the effective integration of new technologies.
Turkiye’s rail sector plays a key role in the national transport and logistics system, supported by an extensive network that will develop significantly to transform the country into a regional logistics hub. Its geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East gives it a strategic advantage, facilitating fast and efficient connections between key markets on the continent and in the region.
Turkiye has significantly developed its railway network over the last two decades, from over 11,000 km in 2003 to almost 14,000 km (in 2024), of which approximately 2,200 km are high-speed lines. Turkiye’s plans do not stop there, as by 2028 the authorities want to extend the network to a total length of approximately 17,300 km. By 2050, Turkiye aims to develop the network to 28,600 km, which will allow it to reduce road traffic from 72% to 57% and increase the market share of rail transport to 22% from 5%.
The UIC’s 2024 report on the global high-speed network (UIC Atlas – High-Speed Rail 2024) states that Turkiye has 1,720 km of high-speed lines under construction, with another 2,200 km planned, with most of the lines concentrated in the western half of the country. By 2040, Turkiye aims to have a high-speed network of over 6,000 km.
In the long term, the development of the railway network is not limited to the construction of new lines, whether high-speed or conventional, but also involves complex projects for the modernization and maintenance of the railway infrastructure. This work requires rapid intervention and high-performance equipment to ensure the safe operation of the network, but also a reduced impact on the environment by lowering pollutant emissions. In addition, streamlining operations and implementing modern technologies will strengthen the sustainability of the rail system and transform it into a safer and more environmentally friendly mode of transport.
In this context, the TCDD modernization and maintenance project is designed to address the major challenges facing the Turkiye railway sector. By replacing outdated equipment, increasing operational efficiency, and strengthening resilience to climate change risks, the project aims to transform the railway network into a safer, more sustainable, and more efficient system.
The result of this project will be to mitigate the effects of aging infrastructure, increased traffic volumes, and increasing thermal stress on railway lines. In addition, by strengthening institutional capacities and integrating digital technologies into maintenance planning, the project supports long-term sustainability, contributes to decarbonization goals, and strengthens Turkiye’s ability to operate a modern, climate-resilient railway system that promotes regional connectivity and logistical competitiveness.
Project financing
The total cost of the project implemented by TCDD amounts to 623 million USD, of which the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is co-financing 415 million USD and Turkiye 216 million USD. In the AIIB documents, the loan is structured over 15 years, with a 5-year grace period, and the anticipated implementation is 2025–2030 through a specialized project implementation unit within TCDD.
It should be noted that last year, Turkiye managed to secure USD 15 billion in external financing for railway infrastructure projects, including railway infrastructure maintenance activities. “The confidence of international financial institutions in our program continues. “Investments in railways will increase our competitiveness, reduce our carbon footprint, and facilitate alignment with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. With the confidence that international institutions have in our program, we are continuing our efforts to secure external financing on favorable terms,” said Finance and Treasury Minister Şimşek in December, announcing the co-financing provided by the AIIB.
Purchase of railway infrastructure maintenance equipment
The project is designed to generate concrete improvements in the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Turkiye’s railway infrastructure maintenance system. The modernization of the fleet owned by the railway company TCDD through the purchase of 99 new units will reduce the average age of maintenance equipment from 25.5 to 23.6 years, and the percentage of equipment that complies with Stage V emission standards will triple, thus contributing to Turkiye’s decarbonization commitments.
The reliability of maintenance operations will increase significantly. The average monthly number of breakdowns per machine is estimated to decrease from 1.5 to 1.2, and delays caused by maintenance work will be reduced from 100 to 95.27 minutes per 1,000 km traveled by train. The project will also strengthen institutional capacity by training and certifying 751 TCDD employees, including operators, mechanics, and trainers, and will ensure the integration of all new rolling stock into the TCDD asset management system within three months of commissioning.
Together, these results will enhance operational resilience, increase the reliability of passenger and freight transport services, and reduce the environmental impact of railway infrastructure maintenance activities.
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