Siemens Mobility completes delivery of high-speed trains for Turkey
Turkish State Railways (TCDD) has received the last 12 high-speed trains from Siemens Mobility. A total of 19 Velaro trains were ordered between 2013 and 2019. As of June 2021, the whole Velaro fleet is expected to be available for commercial services. The sets will be used on existing high-speed lines and a future one from Ankara to Istanbul.
The first Velaro Turkey was ordered in 2013 and went into passenger service between Ankara and Konya in May 2015. At the same time, TCDD signed a second contract with Siemens for six eight-car high-speed trains. The last twelve eight-car Velaro TR trains were ordered in 2018 and 2019.
The contract includes maintenance, repair, and cleaning of the trains for a three-year period. With the delivery well ahead of schedule, a record time for the start of passenger operation could be achieved, says Siemens Mobility. On average, the time between the contract signing and passenger operation amounts to 24 months.
Ankara and Istanbul
Adil Karaismailoğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey, stated that the last 12 high-speed train sets ordered from Siemens Mobility had reached Ankara. “The sets will be used on the high-speed 1,213-kilometers line and on lines that are being built and will be put into operation.” The trains connect Ankara with Konya and Eskisehir. An additional line to Istanbul, with a total length of 533 kilometers, is planned for the future.
Global trains
The Velaro Turkey offers an optimised capacity profile and ‘enhanced passenger experience’. Passengers can choose between three car classes: The Business Class consisting of three compartments with four comfort seats each; the First Class offering 45 seats; and the Economy Class offering 426 seats. The restaurant car offers eight bistro seats in the bar and 28 seats in the restaurant. The Velaro trains were developed for the global market and are currently operating in Spain, France, Germany, the UK, Belgium, Russia, China, Turkey, and the Netherlands.
“Delivering the last train of the Turkish Velaro fleet well ahead of schedule marks an important milestone in our partnership with the Turkish State Railways”, said Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility. “Our proven high-speed trains, developed for the global market, enhance passenger experience by providing comfort and convenience. We are proud to contribute to a project that significantly develops the infrastructure of Turkey and enables people in this large country to travel at high speed yet with a low CO2 footprint.”
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