| Work Detail |
Alstom and Resa Yapi Elektromekanik have entered into a significant agreement to supply the rigid overhead catenary system (ROCS) for a key section of the Halkali–Kapikule railway in Türkiye. This major infrastructure project, designed to enhance the country’s high-speed rail network, will incorporate Alstom’s advanced technology to provide a reliable, efficient, and innovative solution for railway electrification. Under this agreement, Alstom will be responsible for providing the aerial feeding system along a tunnel section created using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). This tunnel will comprise two tracks, each approximately 7 km in length, totalling 14 km, and will have a diameter of 8.3 metres. The tunnel is strategically planned to pass beneath both densely populated residential areas and the scenic Lake Küçükçekmece, highlighting the technical challenges of such an ambitious project. Notably, this will be the first application of a rigid overhead catenary system for a high-speed line in Türkiye, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rail development. The Alstom site in Valmadrera, located in Lecco, Italy, will take charge of the design, production, and supply of the ROCS components. This site is known for its cutting-edge research and development, and its involvement underscores Alstom’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions in the rail industry. In parallel, Alstom Algeria will play a key role in the catenary installation design for the line. This international collaboration demonstrates Alstom’s global expertise in rail infrastructure and its ability to bring together a range of local and global resources to ensure the success of large-scale projects. “We are proud to supply the first rigid overhead catenary system for Halkali–Kapikule railway, Türkiye’s new high-speed line. This contract not only demonstrates the excellence and innovative approach of our site but also highlights our commitment to modernising rail infrastructure globally, helping bring Europe even closer to the rest of the world,” said Edoardo Gino, Director of Alstom’s Valmadrera Site. This statement reflects Alstom’s ongoing efforts to expand its footprint in the rail industry, delivering high-quality and innovative systems that meet the growing demand for sustainable and efficient transport solutions. Alstom’s ROCS is designed to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for rigid overhead catenary systems, particularly suited to confined spaces such as tunnels and for retrofitting existing infrastructure. The system features an aluminium conductor profile paired with a copper contact wire, ensuring both ease of installation and low maintenance requirements. This combination not only enhances the operational efficiency of the system but also offers significant long-term benefits, including reduced operational costs. Moreover, the compact design ensures minimal disruption to the surrounding environment during installation and enhances fire resistance, an essential feature for safety in high-speed rail networks. One of the key advantages of ROCS is its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing rail lines, regardless of their age, and accommodate different supply voltages, making it a versatile solution for a broad range of rail applications. Halkali–Kapikule rail project The Halkali–Kapikule railway is a vital part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), which aims to strengthen connectivity between EU countries and the wider European region. It will also form a crucial segment of the Orient/East-Med Corridor, a key transport route that links Central Europe with the major ports of the North, Baltic, Black, and Mediterranean seas. The high-speed rail line will cover a distance of 229 km and will be serviced by seven stations in Türkiye. The project will significantly enhance rail connectivity between Istanbul and the Turkish border with Bulgaria, facilitating not only the movement of passengers but also boosting freight transport, and enhancing economic exchange between the two regions. The project is divided into several key sections: the 153 km Çerkezköy–Kapikule section, the 67 km Ispartakule–Çerkezköy section, and a 9 km section between Halkali and Ispartakule. The EU recognised the importance of this project by awarding Türkiye a EUR 275 million grant through the 2014-2020 Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) programme in March 2019. In 2021 the construction of Ispartakule – Cerkezkoy section secured a EUR 150 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), while the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a EUR 300 million loan. The total project cost is estimated at EUR 1 billion, reflecting the scale and ambition of the undertaking. In the same year, Salini Impregilo, now Webuild, secured a EUR 530 million contract to construct the line from Halkali to Kapikule. Under this contract, Webuild leads the project with a majority stake of 50.01%, while the remaining share is held by the Turkish construction company Kolin Insaat Turizm Sanayi ve Ticaret, which brings local expertise and experience to the table. As of 2023, the project has entered its final stage of construction, with work progressing on the 9 km section from Halkali to the Ispartakule tunnel. This section is crucial, as it will link Istanbul to the new high-speed line, providing fast and efficient connectivity to the rest of the network. Beyond the construction of the railway line itself, the project will involve the creation of a vast array of additional infrastructure, designed to ensure the smooth operation of the line. This includes the construction of 53 underpasses, 59 overpasses, 16 railway bridges, two tunnels, 194 culverts, and three viaducts. These structures will play an essential role in overcoming geographical challenges, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the railway across a variety of terrains. Furthermore, the electrified line will be equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 1, which will ensure compatibility with other European rail systems and provide a high level of operational safety and efficiency. The double-track line is expected to become operational by 2028, allowing trains to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between Istanbul and the Bulgarian border. This will not only improve passenger travel but will also enable faster and more reliable transport of goods, boosting trade and economic exchange between Türkiye and its neighbouring countries. Work on the new line officially commenced in September 2019 in Edirne. Once completed, the Halkali–Kapikule railway will have a transformative impact on local transport systems, reducing congestion and increasing capacity. It is expected that the new high-speed railway will lead to an 80% increase in passenger numbers and a 45% increase in freight transport. This will facilitate smoother movement of people and goods between the Istanbul region and the border areas, contributing to regional economic development and integration. The completion of this ambitious project will undoubtedly have far-reaching benefits, further cementing Türkiye’s position as a key player in the global transport network. This landmark railway project stands as a testament to Türkiye’s commitment to modernising its infrastructure, embracing technological advancements, and enhancing its role as a central hub within the European and global transport networks. The Halkali–Kapikule railway project is set to revolutionise both domestic and international rail travel in Türkiye, offering enhanced connectivity between major urban centres and neighbouring countries. Beyond its technical and operational advantages, the project is expected to have a profound economic impact, driving growth in sectors such as tourism, trade, and logistics. By reducing travel times and offering faster, more reliable transport, the high-speed railway will not only improve passenger comfort but will also strengthen trade links between Türkiye, the European Union, and the wider region. The project is aligned with Türkiye’s broader vision of becoming a key hub in international transport and logistics, complementing other large-scale infrastructure initiatives such as the Istanbul New Airport. The new line will also promote sustainability by encouraging greater use of rail transport, thus reducing congestion on highways and cutting down on carbon emissions. Furthermore, it will create thousands of jobs during both the construction and operational phases, contributing to the region’s economic prosperity. |
