Hitachi Rail has been awarded a major signalling contract for the new Ankara-Izmir high-speed line (HSL) in Türkiye.
The new line will form the backbone of a new high-speed rail link connecting central Türkiye to the west, and has been deemed ‘essential’ for connections continuing to the country’s southern regions.
Consisting of a 503km section of bi-directional traffic on double tracks, Hitachi Rail will deliver signalling and automatic train protection systems for the line, and will be responsible for all design and supply work, installation supervision, testing and commissioning.
In particular, the company will be responsible for the signalling equipment consisting of the new Interlocking system, Centralised Traffic Control, ETCS Level 1 and Level 2, point machines and track circuits.
The project, which is considered crucial to the Ministry of Transport (contracting is carried out by the Infrastructure Investment General Directorate – AYGM), aims to connect Ankara with Izmir in an effort to alleviate traffic congestion as well as promote socio-economic development to support tourism in Izmir and the surrounding region. Additionally, the project will aim to connect major cities across the Aegean region of Türkiye, including Afyonkarahisar, Uşak and Manisa.
Once operational, the new HSL is expected to enable to travel between Ankara and Izmir in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes – a significant reduction in time over the current 13 hour and 56 minute journey made possible with the use of trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 250km/h.
Barış Balcılar, General Manager of Hitachi Rail Türkiye, said:We are proud to contribute to strengthening the connection between the centre of Türkiye and the Aegean region on the western coast.
Our technology will help enhance mobility for more than 13 million citizens living in these regions.
