Wedoany.com Report-Dec 23, Hitachi Rail will implement advanced European Train Control System (ETCS) technologies on critical sections of the Ankara-Istanbul and Ankara-Sivas lines.

Hitachi Rail continues to drive forward the development of Turkey's high-speed rail infrastructure, contributing to key sections of the high-speed lines between Ankara and Istanbul, and Ankara and Sivas.

The project involves installing advanced ETCS Level 1 on the Geyve-Doğançay section and Level 2 on the Köseköy-Eskişehir section, plus an upgraded interlocking system. These solutions are part of the wider European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). They integrate Turkey's rail infrastructure with European standards, facilitating future interoperability and enhancing safety.

“This expansion not only benefits passengers with increased frequencies and improved service but also supports national and regional connectivity, aligning with Turkey’s ambitions to become a rail transit hub connecting Europe and the Middle East”, said Carlos Mezquita, Hitachi Rail Country Director for Turkey, Spain, and Greece.

At the same time, Hitachi Rail is involved in another strategic project on the 160-kilometre Kayas-Yerkoy section, part of the larger Ankara-Sivas high-speed line, which at 406 kilometres is the second longest high-speed line in Turkey. On this line, trains can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h. This drastically reduces the conventional journey time from 12 hours to just two hours. Hitachi Rail has installed a central traffic control system, electronic interlockings, ETCS level 1 and 2 and trackside signalling on the line. This technology optimizes track capacity and supports faster transit while ensuring that trains can run safely at closer intervals.