Türkiye: The operational testing launch ceremony took place on 6 March in Sakarya, attended by the country’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
The minister stated that testing will verify speed and braking performance, running characteristics, and infrastructure compatibility. “Our goal is to bring it into service by year-end,” he announced. The electric train is slated for certification to European TSI standards.
Beginning of testing the first Türasaş train for 225 km/h. Source: Türasaş
The eight-car set with an aluminium bodyshell was manufactured at the state-owned Türasaş plant in Sakarya earlier this year. It builds on Türasaş’s prior 160 km/h model, incorporating structural upgrades and a modernised motor for higher speeds. The traction drive, control, and diagnostics systems were developed and supplied by Aselsan. The train accommodates up to 577 passengers, negotiates 150 m curves, and has an 18 t axle load.
From 2026 to 2028, 14 such sets are planned, targeting 75% localisation. To build these trains, a dedicated ~18,000 m² facility is under construction at the Sakarya plant, employing 250 staff and commissioning by year-end. Its capacity: up to 12 trains annually. Overall, Uraloğlu estimates the country’s high-speed train needs at 81 sets (648 cars) by 2035.
