The bilateral project agreement of the Halkalı-Kapıkule Railway Line Project which will be financed under the Sectoral Operational Programme for Transport has been signed in Istanbul on 28 February 2019 by our Minister Mehmet Cahit Turhan and EU Commissioner Violeta Bulc.
The Halkalı-Kapıkule Railway Line project is the largest infrastructure project to be held during IPA II period by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
IPA fund allocated to the project is approximately 8% of the total fund allocated to our country and approximately 76% of the fund allocated to the transport sector during IPA II period.
In addition to its budgetary size and technical features, the Halkalı-Kapıkule Railway Line project symbolizes Turkey's geographical connection to the EU. The development of lines directly connecting the EU and Turkey has strategic importance for both sides. The Halkalı – Kapikule railway line project, which will provide EU – Turkey-Asia railway connection in line with TEN-T corridors, is of particular importance in this sense.
With the completion of the project, double track 200 km/hr high-speed rail line for passenger and freight transport on the 231 km route between Halkalı-Kapıkule will be constructed.