The Turkish government has announced its railway programme for 2024. The Turkish state railway TCDD has been allocated a budget of €1.5 billion (TRY 49.4 billion). The programme includes €130 million for the completion of the 433 km Ankara – Istanbul high-speed rail (HSR) line, €184 million for civil engineering works on the 498 km Ankara – Izmir HSR line, which is scheduled for completion in 2026, and €193 million for train control systems and related consultancy services for the 153 km Halkali – Kapiküle HSR line. €477 million is planned for electrification, signalling, and civil engineering works on the existing lines. In addition, €115 million has been earmarked for the construction of new double-track 131 km sections and €332 million for the repair and reconstruction of damage to the rail network by the end of 2025. TCDD also has a budget of €314 million for the purchase of 50 electric multiple units (EMU), 20 diesel-electric locomotives and 95 electric main line locomotives from Turkish manufacturer Turasas. A further €257 million has been earmarked for the overhaul of 1,154 passenger vehicles and 2,543 freight wagons in 2024. Turasas has an investment programme worth €48 million for 2024.
