Turkey is accelerating its nationalisation move with the aim of ending foreign dependence in the railway sector and bringing domestic technology to the top. Giant projects carried out under the coordination of TÜRASAŞ are preparing to give concrete results in 2026. At the end of this critical year, the first national high-speed train set prototype, which can reach a speed of 225 kilometres per hour, and 9 national electric train sets with a speed of 160 km will start carrying passengers. This breakthrough aims to increase the country’s R&D and production power in rail systems on a global scale.
Critical Components and R&D Power in Domestic Production
As stated in the Presidency’s Annual Programme for 2026, the design, production and maintenance of vehicles used in railway transport with domestic facilities are among the priority targets. This strategy includes increasing the R&D and production capacity of the domestic industry and increasing the nationality rate, especially in critical components. This will not only reduce costs, but also ensure security of supply.
The integration of the domestic industry into these projects aims to reinforce Turkey’s ability to develop high value-added products and to carry the success story of the defence industry to the transport sector.
225 Km Speed and Locomotive Production
The National High Speed Train Project, carried out within TÜRASAŞ, opens the door for the country to have high-speed train technology with completely domestic facilities.
National High Speed Train Prototype: All work on the prototype, which can reach a speed of 225 kilometres per hour, will be completed next year and Turkey will be one of the limited number of countries that can produce its own high-speed train.
Electric and Mainline Solutions: In addition to the high-speed train, nine national electric train sets capable of travelling at a speed of 160 km and 30 national electric mainline locomotives will also be produced. This wide range of production will nationalise not only intercity high-speed transport, but also freight and passenger transport on conventional lines.
Sakarya Factory: Annual Contribution of 3.5 Billion Lira to the Economy
The National Electric High Speed Train Set Manufacturing and Test Factory, which will be the heart of the mass production of domestic train sets, is rising rapidly in Sakarya.
Economic Impact: this 15 thousand square metre modern facility is expected to provide an annual economic contribution of 3.5 billion liras to the country.
Capacity: With a production capacity of 12 high speed train sets per year, the factory will significantly increase Turkey’s rail system production capacity and support its export potential.
In addition to creating employment, this investment will also contribute directly to reducing the current account deficit by enabling the substitution of imported technologies and vehicles with domestic production.
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Transport Vision
Turkey’s transport policies are focused on reducing environmental impacts and increasing energy efficiency. Therefore, railway and maritime transport will be prioritised. The new train sets are designed to be compatible with modern electrification systems. This will lead to lower carbon emissions, lower operating costs and a more sustainable transport network.
This comprehensive nationalisation move demonstrates Turkey’s determination to build a self-sufficient and technologically advanced transport infrastructure that can compete at international railway standards.
