Alstom has been selected to supply its Rigid Overhead Catenary System (ROCS) for the Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Rail Line segment of the 229-kilometer Halkalı-Kapıkule high-speed train line, a vital corridor connecting Türkiye with the European Union. This infrastructure project, co-financed by Türkiye and the EU with a total value of EUR 616.7 million, is the largest such collaboration to date.
Transformational Tunnel Infrastructure
Alstom’s ROCS will be installed in twin tunnels—each about 7 kilometers long and 8.3 meters wide—underneath Istanbul neighborhoods and Küçükçekmece Lake. Manufactured in Valmadrera, Italy, the ROCS features a compact aluminum and copper build that offers high performance in confined spaces, low maintenance, and strong fire resistance. It is particularly suitable for tunnel environments.
Boosting Passenger and Freight Transport
Once completed, the Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Rail Line will support train speeds of up to 200 km/h, doubling passenger capacity by 80% and increasing freight volume by 45%. This will significantly reduce road congestion, accidents, and air pollution in the region. It also strengthens Türkiye’s role in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the Iron Silk Road from London to Beijing.
Strategic Collaboration
“This Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Rail Line project marks a milestone for Alstom in Türkiye,” said Kerem Bugay, Managing Director of Alstom Türkiye. “It showcases our global capabilities and deep local partnerships.”
Serkan Atalar, Managing Director of RESA A.Ş., emphasized, “This is Türkiye’s first high-speed train project to implement a rigid catenary system. We’re proud to lead this turnkey project alongside Alstom.”
Factsheet: Halkalı–Kapıkule High-Speed Rail Project
- Length: 229 km (dual line)
- Speed: Up to 200 km/h
- Funding: €616.7 million (EU-Türkiye cooperation)
- Route: Istanbul to Bulgarian border
- Benefits:
- Connects Türkiye directly with the EU
- Reduces travel time and costs
- Expands TEN-T and Iron Silk Road networks
- Reduces road traffic, pollution, and accidents
- Project Sections:
- Çerkezköy–Kapıkule (153 km): EU co-financed
- Halkalı–Çerkezköy (76 km): Nationally funded
