Description
Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Train
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- Route: Istanbul to the EU border
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Highlights: This new high-speed train connects Istanbul to the European Union border in about three hours, enhancing travel between Turkey and Europe.
Halkalı – Kapıkule High-Speed Train Project: Turkey’s New Gateway to Europe
The Halkalı – Kapıkule High-Speed Train Line is one of Turkey’s most ambitious transportation projects, designed to strengthen the connection between Istanbul and Europe. Stretching from Halkalı, on Istanbul’s western edge, to Kapıkule, the border gate to Bulgaria, this modern railway will significantly reduce travel times, increase freight capacity, and enhance international rail integration with the European Union.
Key Technical Details
- Total Line Length: Approximately 229 km
- Sections:
- Kapıkule – Çerkezköy: ~153 km
- Çerkezköy – Ispartakule: ~67 km
- Ispartakule – Halkalı: ~8.4 km
- Train Type: Double-track, fully electrified, and equipped with advanced signaling systems
- Maximum Speed: Up to 200 km/h
- Technology: Includes Turkey’s first Rigid Overhead Catenary System, provided by Alstom and RESA A.Ş.
- Construction Partners: Webuild Group, Yapı Merkezi, and the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (UAB)
Main Goals of the Project
1. Faster Passenger Transport
Current travel between Istanbul and Edirne takes nearly four hours.
When completed, the new line will reduce travel time to about 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering a faster, safer, and more comfortable alternative to highway travel.
2. Improved Freight Transport
Freight trains will also benefit dramatically:
The transport time will drop from 8.5 hours to around 3.5 hours, improving logistics between Turkey and Europe.
The overall railway capacity will increase fourfold, reducing congestion and supporting sustainable trade growth.
3. European Integration
The Halkalı – Kapıkule line is part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), specifically within the Orient/East-Med Corridor, linking Turkey directly to the European high-speed rail system.
It is co-financed by the European Union (EU) under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA).
Construction Timeline and Progress
| Section | Planned Completion | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kapıkule – Çerkezköy (153 km) | End of 2025 | Over 95% physical progress achieved |
| Çerkezköy – Ispartakule (67 km) | 2028 | Ongoing construction |
| Ispartakule – Halkalı (8.4 km) | 2028 | Planned for completion with Istanbul connection |
The entire Halkalı–Kapıkule line is expected to be fully operational by 2028, offering a modern, fast, and efficient rail link between Turkey and the EU.
Strategic and Economic Benefits
✅ Time Efficiency
Significantly reduced travel time between Istanbul, Edirne, and European borders will make rail travel more appealing for both passengers and businesses.
✅ Increased Capacity
The double-track design and advanced electrification systems allow more trains per hour, improving both passenger and freight throughput.
✅ Environmental Sustainability
By shifting transport from road to rail, the project will reduce carbon emissions and lower energy consumption, supporting Turkey’s green transport goals.
✅ Regional Development
Cities like Edirne, Kırklareli, Tekirdağ, and Çerkezköy will experience increased economic activity thanks to faster connections with Istanbul and Europe.
✅ International Connectivity
The line reinforces Turkey’s position as a logistics bridge between Asia and Europe, making it a key element of the “Middle Corridor” in global trade routes.
Future Impact
Once completed, the Halkalı–Kapıkule High-Speed Train will not only shorten travel time between Istanbul and European cities, but also integrate Turkey more deeply into European rail networks. It will create new opportunities for trade, tourism, and sustainable regional growth.
This project stands as a symbol of modern, cross-border cooperation, blending EU standards with Turkish infrastructure expertise.