Hitachi Rail has delivered its digital signalling on the Ankara-Istanbul and Ankara-Sivas high speed lines in Türkiye.
The high-speed line between Ankara and Istanbul has redefined Türkiye‘s rail transport since its initial launch in 2009, with full completion in 2014. By introducing new cutting-edge signalling and telecommunications on the line, Hitachi Rail will enhance both the capacity and maximum speed of the services.
The project includes the installation of advanced ETCS Level 1 on the Geyve-Doğançay section and Level 2 for the Köseköy–Eskişehir Section as well as an updated interlocking system. These solutions, part of the broader European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), integrate Türkiye’s rail infrastructure with European standards, facilitating future interoperability and enhancing safety.
“This expansion not only benefits passengers with increased frequencies and improved service but also supports national and regional connectivity, aligning with Türkiye’s ambitions to become a rail transit hub connecting Europe and the Middle East”, said Carlos Mezquita, Hitachi Rail Country Director for Türkiye, Spain and Greece.
Simultaneously, Hitachi Rail is engaged in another strategic project on the 160-kilometre Kayas-Yerkoy section, part of the larger Ankara-Sivas high-speed line, which spans 406 kilometres and represents the second-longest high-speed route in Türkiye. This line allows trains to reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, drastically reducing the conventional travel time from 12 hours to just two hours.
Hitachi Rail has installed a centralised traffic control system, electronic interlockings, ETCS Levels 1 and 2, and trackside signalling on the line. This technology ensures that trains can safely operate at closer intervals, optimising track capacity while supporting faster and more efficient transit.
“ETCS integration across both lines is a significant step towards Türkiye’s alignment with European rail standards, underscoring Hitachi Rail’s commitment to improving interoperability between Turkish and European rail networks”, said Carlos Mezquita.
The Ankara-Sivas line also forms a crucial part of Türkiye’s Edirne-Kars rail corridor initiative, connecting Europe to the Middle East.
These high-speed rail projects, spearheaded by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD), reflect Türkiye’s commitment to rail modernisation. Hitachi Rail’s contributions extend across various segments, including upgrades to the Elmadag and Kirikkale interlockings, software enhancements, and continuous testing of ETCS Level 2, all of which underscore the company’s role in advancing Türkiye’s railway infrastructure.
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