Siemens Mobility completes delivery of high-speed trains for operation in Turkey

Credit: Siemens Mobility

Siemens Mobility has announced that it has completed the delivery of the high-speed Velaro trains that were ordered by Turkish State Railways (TCDD) between 2013 and 2019. As of June 2021, the whole Velaro fleet is expected to be available for commercial services.

“Delivering the last train of the Turkish Velaro fleet well ahead of schedule marks an important milestone in our partnership with Turkish State Railways,” said Albrecht Neumann, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility. “Our proven high-speed trains, developed for the global market, enhance the 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 speeds yet with a low CO₂ footprint.”

Adil Karaismailoğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey, stated that the last 12 high-speed trainsets ordered from Siemens Mobility had reached Ankara: “The sets will be used on the high-speed 1,213km 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 533km, is planned for the future.

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 12 eight-car Velaro TR trains were ordered in 2018 and 2019.

The contract included the maintenance, repair and cleaning of the trains for a period of three years. With the delivery well ahead of schedule, a record time for the start of passenger operation could be achieved. On average, the time between the contract signing and passenger operation amounts to 24 months.

The Velaro Turkey offers an optimised capacity profile and enhanced passenger experience. Passengers can choose between three car classes: Business Class, consisting of three compartments with four comfort seats each; First Class, offering 45 seats; and Economy Class, offering 426 seats. The restaurant car offers eight bistro seats in the bar and 28 seats in the restaurant.

Through innovative communication and entertainment systems on board, passengers can access services such as video on demand, e-books or games from their own mobile devices or, in Business and First Class, from touch displays integrated in the seats.