AI-generated illustration

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said physical progress on the Yerköy-Kayseri High-Speed Train project has exceeded 50 percent, and that the line will cut rail travel time between Ankara and Kayseri to one hour and 45 minutes once completed.

The 142-kilometer line is being built as a double-track, electrified and signalled route designed for speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, connecting Yerköy in Yozgat province to Kayseri.

Line to link Kayseri to the high-speed network

In a written statement, Uraloğlu said the Yerköy-Kayseri high-speed line will integrate with the Ankara-Sivas High-Speed Train line and bring Kayseri into Turkey's high-speed rail network. Work on the project is continuing without interruption, according to the minister.

The route will start at the high-speed train station in Yerköy, a district of Yozgat, and run to Kayseri through the Şefaatli, Yenifakılı, Himmetdede and Boğazköprü stations. Once the line enters service, passengers will be offered fast, safe and comfortable travel, Uraloğlu said, with the Ankara-Kayseri rail journey reduced to one hour and 45 minutes.

Passenger and freight projections

The line is expected to carry 5.5 million passengers and 13.5 million tons of freight a year. Uraloğlu said the project will lower intercity logistics costs and strengthen the north-south links of the national rail network, while also supporting the region's railway transport.

The route lies on the Middle Corridor. Uraloğlu said the project will help develop commercial and economic ties between Turkey and the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Tunnels, bridges and crossings under way

A total of 15 tunnels with a combined length of 17,329 meters and 27 bridges totaling 6,608 meters are being built along the route. Excavation has been completed in the T1, T2, T3/4 and T5 tunnels, and lining work is finished in the T1, T2 and T5 tunnels, the minister said.

Construction of 25 underpasses, 91 culverts and one overpass has also been completed. Work continues on the remaining tunnels, bridges, underpasses and overpasses, with reinforced concrete construction under way at 22 underpasses, 29 culverts and 14 overpasses, alongside ongoing tunnel excavation and bridge construction.

Key takeaways

• Physical progress on the Yerköy-Kayseri high-speed line has passed 50 percent, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said.
• The 142-kilometer double-track, electrified and signalled line is designed for speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour.
• Ankara-Kayseri rail travel time will fall to one hour and 45 minutes once the project is complete.
• The line is expected to carry 5.5 million passengers and 13.5 million tons of freight annually.