Turkey celebrates 170 years of railway history and infrastructure growth

Turkey is celebrating the 170th anniversary of its railway system, a network that originated during the Ottoman Empire and has evolved into a critical component of the nation’s socio-economic infrastructure. TCDD Taşımacılık AŞ highlighted the system's role in connecting regions, fostering trade, and facilitating logistics.

Modern developments include significant investments in high-speed rail, such as the line connecting Ankara and Istanbul, which has reduced travel times to under four hours. The network currently spans over 6,000 kilometers and serves approximately 750,000 passengers daily through high-speed, regional, and urban commuter services. The shift toward electric-powered engines reflects a strategic commitment to environmentally friendly transport.

In terms of freight, the railways handle a daily volume of 90,000 tons, supporting industrial and export activities. Turkey is also positioning itself as a regional logistics hub through key connections such as the Marmaray Bosphorus crossing and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line, linking China to Europe and Russia to the Middle East.