High-Speed Rail to Connect Four Southern Cities in Türkiye

Türkiye to Launch High-Speed Rail Line Linking Four Southern Cities

Ankara

Türkiye is preparing to connect four major southern cities — Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye, and Gaziantep — through a new high-speed rail line expected to be completed by 2028, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

The project, which has already reached 85 percent completion, is considered a strategic transport corridor for the region. Once operational, travel time between the Mediterranean port city of Mersin and the industrial center of Gaziantep will be reduced from approximately six hours to around two hours.

Project Specifications

The initiative includes the modernization of existing railway infrastructure as well as the construction of new high-speed sections. The line is designed to support train speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, with a total route length of 312.5 kilometers.

"One of the key objectives of the project is to strengthen the logistical link between Gaziantep’s manufacturing sector and Mersin Port, enabling faster and more efficient access to international markets."

Economic Impact and Capacity

According to the minister, the high-speed rail line is expected to serve an average of 3.1 million passengers annually and transport approximately 37 million tons of freight, contributing significantly to regional economic development.