Turkiye’s HSR Network Is Expanding Rapidly

Why It Matters

Integrating Bursa into the high‑speed network boosts regional mobility, freight efficiency, and reduces road congestion, while the home‑grown train program lowers reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthens Turkey’s position in Eurasian rail transport.

Key Takeaways

• Bursa‑Osmaneli 106 km line to finish late‑2026
• Travel time to Ankara/Istanbul drops to ~2 h 15 m
• Capacity: 30 M passengers, 59 M tonnes freight annually
• Turkey targets 6,000 km high‑speed rail by 2035
• TÜRASAŞ test train hit 240 km/h, exceeding specs

Pulse Analysis

Turkey’s high‑speed rail agenda is entering a decisive phase as the Bursa‑Osmaneli corridor nears completion. The 106‑kilometre stretch, built for 250 km/h operation, will link the industrial hub of Bursa directly to the Ankara‑Istanbul spine, slashing journey times to roughly two hours and fifteen minutes. By integrating passenger and freight services capable of moving 30 million travelers and 59 million tonnes of cargo each year, the line promises to shift a substantial share of traffic from congested highways to rail, supporting the country’s sustainability and logistics goals.

The Bursa project is a cornerstone of a broader national strategy that aims to expand Turkey’s high‑speed network from the current 2,251 km to over 6,000 km by 2035. With more than 1,700 km already under construction and another 2,200 km in planning, the government is targeting key economic corridors across the western and central regions. The accelerated rollout not only enhances connectivity for 51 % of the population but also positions Turkey as a critical rail bridge between Europe and Asia, attracting potential freight corridors and tourism flows.

Beyond track laying, Turkey is cultivating a domestic rolling‑stock industry through state‑owned TÜRASAŞ. The new 15,000‑square‑metre facility in Sakarya is producing the country’s first indigenous high‑speed trains, which have already demonstrated speeds of 240 km/h in testing—surpassing the original 225 km/h design target. This capability reduces dependence on foreign manufacturers, lowers procurement costs, and creates export potential, reinforcing Turkey’s ambition to become a leading player in the Eurasian high‑speed rail market.