3 replies to this topic

[dande]

Turkey will launch its first high-speed train on 13 March.

Turkey started building high-speed rail lines in 2003. The project will eventually link Ankara and Istanbul. The first phase of the project was the line between Ankara and Eskisehir. High-speed trains will lower the 180-minute train travel from Ankara to Eskisehir to 70 minutes.

When the Ankara-Istanbul High Speed Train Project is completed, a double-line, electrified, and signalling for 250 km/h travel between two major cities will be constructed. The travel time between Ankara and Istanbul, which is currently 6 hours and 30 minutes, will be 2 hours and 30 minutes between Ankara and Gebze and 3 hours between Ankara and Istanbul.

The Turkish State Railways Administration (TCDD) purchased first high-speed train units from Spain's CAF company in 2007.

[sunny]

Are they sure they want to launch it on March 13th as it also happens to be a Friday? Obviously they are not superstitious.
Seriously though, it will make a big difference to the service and a reasonable option to flying if you take into account the journey to and from the airports. I wonder how the price will compare.

[soccermagic]

Turkey's first high-speed train service will begin on March 13. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will inaugurate high-speed train between the capital city Ankara and central city of Eskisehir on a 200-kilometer line.

[Sirin]

It's interesting that you mention Gebze - that's where my husband is from!

When I was working in Ankara, he would travel by coach to see me. I seem to remember that taking about 11 hours (??).

Wow, 2 and a half hours.