Egypt is improving its trains, Saudi Arabia is getting a luxury train, and an Israeli company is simplifying European train bookings. Turkey, traditionally reliant on buses for intercity travel, is now constructing a high-speed railway from Yerköy to Kayseri.
This project involves collaboration with Turkish companies Doğuş İnşaat, Çelikler, and Özkar, with support from the UK’s Department for International Trade. Funding includes a 1.027 Billion Euro credit from European Export Credit Agencies and a 220 Million Euro commercial credit line backed by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit.
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The British Exporters Association believes these investments can boost UK business development, benefiting material and equipment suppliers. Turkey recently terminated its export agreements with Israel in favor of Hamas. While Turkey has aimed for EU membership, it has faced obstacles, largely attributed to President Erdoğan.
As Turkey forges agreements with Iran, China, and Russia, the new Istanbul-Sivas line is set to reduce travel time to seven hours and 18 minutes, accommodating up to 483 passengers.
Osman Boyraz, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, highlights Türkiye’s strategic importance in international transportation, with significant investments in rail infrastructure over the past 22 years. Turkey’s high-speed rail network has grown substantially, attracting millions of passengers.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group coordinates financing for this project, with reinsurance from institutions in Italy, Poland, and Austria. This marks the third UK-backed railway construction in Turkey, totaling over 900 km in length.
A new high-speed railway connecting Ankara and Sivas is underway to reduce emissions and enhance transportation efficiency.
In contrast, Japan’s high-speed bullet train system is renowned for its speed, despite rising ticket prices. Travel time between cities is significantly reduced, although some passengers may experience discomfort. In Japan, the cost of driving is also high due to toll fees.
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