The year is 1925. The calendar leaves indicate December 13th. in every sense trying to overcome the effects of traumatic Republic of Turkey's war, to achieve economic independence and different areas of the country's natural resources, that day is taking an important step, "Coal Outgoing Railroad" with the name of Ankara - Ereğli Railway Line Act is going through Turkey Grand National Assembly.
The young Republic of Turkey to stand up and wants to build leap forward for this important railway line, the city of Zonguldak coal, would extend to the river station near the capital Ankara. Railway construction started on 7 February 1927 and the 102-kilometer railway between Irmak and Çankırı was put into operation on 23 April 1931. The railway, which consists of 27 stations, 1368 culverts and bridges between Irmak and Filyos, and 8 tunnels with a total length of 800 thousand 37 kilometers and a total length of 391 kilometers, was put into service with a ceremony held in Filyos on 14 November 1935.
Karış One inch more lightning!! That was the Republic's password between 1923 and 1938. But after that date, interest in building and renovating new railway lines has declined over the years. The break was about 70 years. An important step has been taken at 2013 for the renovation of this worn and tired line.
Line, the scope of the Transport Operational Program, with financial support from the European Union, Turkey Transport, Communications and began to renewal by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and came to life again in 2016.
Journey of 'firsts' on iron rails
This line, which was renewed with the highest financing given by the European Union in a single item, has also undergone many principles during the construction works:
Along the line, ie 415 kilometers, special rails were installed, all shears replaced with new ones. And while this renovation was in progress, the train service never stopped. Freight transport continued uninterruptedly.
Prior to the renovation, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment study was conducted and the ecosystem was taken into consideration. The endemic plants and other environmental characteristics of the area along the train line were mapped.
Transitions within the cities on the route where accidents occur from time to time have been made safer. On this line, where 19 thousand people worked in its construction, a signaling and telecommunication system suitable for a speed of 120 kilometers per hour was designed and installed. A command center was built in Karabük. Additionally, 9 tunnel entrances were renewed.
Passengers of course during the renovation work was not forgotten. The passenger platforms of the 33 station on the line and the 25 stops have been rebuilt in accordance with the accessibility of the disabled. In addition, real-time, electronic passenger information and announcement system was used in all platforms.
The standards and safety of the line increased and travel time was shortened. Passenger wagons on trains were changed and comfort was increased.
PROJECT COMPANY
Name of the Project: Rehabilitation & Signalization of Irmak-Karabük-Zonguldak Railway Line (Rehabilitation & Signalization of Irmak-Karabük-Zonguldak Railway Line)
Beneficiary Institution: TCDD
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
Contractor: Yapı Merkezi Construction Industry Co., MÖN Construction and Trade Ltd. Co. Sti. Consortium
Contract Date: 14.12.2011
Start Date: 25.01.2012
Temporary Acceptance Date according to Contract: Part 1: 15.12.2015 - Part 2: 29.11.2016
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
Contractor: Tecnica y Proyectos, SA (TYPSA), Safege Consortium
Contract Date: 04.01.2012
Start Date: 10.01.2012
Date of Completion: 15.11.2017
End Date: 2016
EU Financial Contribution: 194.469.209 Million Euro (% 85)
Total Project Amount: 227,2 Million Euro
HAT KÜNYESİ
Operational Purpose of the Line: Bulk Passenger and Freight Transportation
Line Length: 415 Mileage
Line Characteristic: Single Line
Number of Stations: 33 (+ 25 stops)
Operational Train Speed: Maximum 120 Kilometers / Hour
When the capital city is finished, a blue train between zonguldak-ankara will stop only in provincial and district centers. In addition, direct train operation should be made between Zonguldak-İskenderun, where 3 ironwork facility is on the route and there is a density of transportation among the people working there. This line will go down in history as the first line operated between the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts in our country.
Removed Çukurova expresi this line can come to life again.