Hitachi Rail has strengthened its presence in Turkey’s rapidly expanding rail sector after securing a contract to deliver advanced signalling systems for a crucial section of the Ankara-Istanbul railway line.
Working alongside Hitachi Rail Turkey, the company has signed an agreement with Turkish State Railways (TCDD) to develop, supply, install and commission signalling systems for the T26 section and the Bilecik depot.
The project forms part of TCDD’s wider strategy to modernise the country's railway infrastructure, improve operational performance and support Turkey’s long-term economic and social development ambitions.
With civil engineering works already completed, the scheme will play a vital role in separating high-speed rail operations from conventional railway services. This segregation is expected to cut journey times significantly, reducing transit times from approximately 20 minutes to just nine minutes. The investment will also increase network capacity, improve operational availability and create greater flexibility across the route.
The Bilecik depot element of the project will further strengthen maintenance and operational capabilities by providing enhanced access for the rolling stock serving the Ankara-Istanbul corridor.
Turkey continues to invest heavily in rail infrastructure as part of a national drive to deliver faster, more reliable and environmentally sustainable transport. The latest project highlights the country’s commitment to expanding high-speed rail while improving the efficiency of existing networks.
Scope of the Project
Under the contract, Hitachi Rail will deliver a range of infrastructure and technology upgrades, including:
- Modification of existing interlockings and the Traffic Control Centre.
- Installation of trackside equipment, new turnouts and signalling assets.
- Expansion of the existing telecommunications systems.
- Deployment of ETCS Level 1 and Level 2 signalling technology across both the T26 section and the Bilecik depot.
The introduction of European Train Control System (ETCS) technology will support enhanced operational safety, improved traffic management and greater interoperability across the network.
Strengthening Hitachi Rail’s Presence in Turkey
The latest award further reinforces Hitachi Rail's position as a major technology supplier within Turkey's rail market.
Having operated in Turkey since 1987, the company has worked extensively with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Turkish State Railways (TCDD), leading construction firms and systems integrators on a range of railway modernisation projects.
The new contract reflects TCDD’s continued confidence in Hitachi Rail's expertise in signalling, telecommunications and digital railway solutions.
As Turkey accelerates the transformation of its railway network, projects such as this will help create a more connected, reliable and sustainable transport system while supporting economic growth and regional development.
Image credit: Hitachi Rail
