Governor Sezer informed journalists that there has been a 92% physical progress in the infrastructure, superstructure, and railway maintenance technical staff (EST) construction works in the Çerkezköy-Kapıkule (153 kilometers) section of the project. He also mentioned that work on the superstructures in the Edirne section is progressing rapidly, with test drives scheduled to take place soon. Additionally, Sezer added that the work in the city center is almost completed.
The Halkalı-Kapıkule Railway Project, which will provide a high-standard railway connection between Turkey and European countries, consists of three stages: the 153-kilometer Kapıkule-Çerkezköy section, the 67-kilometer Çerkezköy-Ispartakule section, and the 8.4-kilometer Ispartakule-Halkalı section. The first stage of the project, the 153-kilometer Çerkezköy-Kapıkule line, is nearing completion with a 92% progress rate.
The project, which began in June 2019 and will connect Edirne to Istanbul with a high-speed train network, will reduce travel times between Halkalı and Kapıkule to 1 hour and 30 minutes for passenger trains and 3.5 hours for freight trains, down from 4 hours and 8.5 hours, respectively. The completion of the project is expected to play a significant role in forming a crucial link in the European connection of the Silk Railway route passing through Turkey.
Once the project is finished, a new high-speed train line capable of carrying both cargo and passengers at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour on a double-track, electrified, and signalled route will be constructed along the 229-kilometer route. This new railway line will enhance transportation efficiency and connectivity along the route, benefiting both passengers and freight transportation in the region.
