Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that they have reduced the travel time between Ankara and Sorgun by high-speed train to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
During the opening ceremony of the YHT station in Sorgun district of Yozgat, Uraloğlu emphasized that they have considered railways as a state policy and identified them as a priority sector since 2002.
Highlighting a new momentum in the railways to capitalize on the economic and commercial advantages afforded by Turkey’s strategic location, Uraloğlu stated:
“We have strengthened the connection of our railway lines to ports, airports, and logistics centers. With our projects, we aimed to make railway transportation economically viable not only along the east-west axis but also between the north and south. Over the past 22 years, we have invested over $57 billion in railways. From 2002 to 2024, we have made significant investments, improvements, renewals, and development initiatives in our railways. We have increased our rail network length from 10,948 kilometers in 2002 to 13,919 kilometers.”
Uraloğlu also noted that they have introduced high-speed train operations to Turkey, transforming railways into the first choice for those seeking fast and comfortable travel. He added, “The total number of journeys made on our high-speed train lines has reached 85 million so far. Currently, our high-speed train lines provide direct service to 11 cities and indirectly serve 9 cities through regional and bus connections, reaching 50% of our country’s population.”
Elaborating on the significance of the Ankara-Sivas Line, Uraloğlu emphasized that it is not merely a railway connecting two cities but also a crucial part of the railway corridor extending from Edirne to Kars. He stated, “The Ankara-Kayseri High-Speed Train Line will also be connected to this line.”
Uraloğlu highlighted the reduction in travel time, stating that they have reduced the Ankara-Sivas travel time from 12 hours by train to 2 hours and by high-speed train to 2 hours, reduced the Ankara-Yozgat travel time to 1 hour, and reduced the Ankara-Sorgun travel time to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Moreover, he emphasized the social contributions of the newly opened YHT stations, stating, “We have provided approximately 1.4 million citizens living in the provinces of Kırıkkale, Yozgat, and Sivas with the opportunity to travel directly by high-speed train to Ankara. Since its opening, we have transported approximately 900,000 passengers on the line. Within the 405-kilometer route, we have constructed 49 tunnels with a total length of 66 kilometers and 49 viaducts with a total length of 27.2 kilometers.”
Uraloğlu also provided insight into the broader vision for Turkey’s railway network, aiming to reduce the share of freight transport on highways from 72% to 57% and increase the share of railway transport from 5% to 22% by 2053. Additionally, plans include increasing the annual average passenger count from 19.5 million to 270 million and extending the railway network length to 17,657 kilometers by the end of 2028.
The opening ceremony was attended by Yozgat Governor Mehmet Ali Özkan, TCDD General Manager Veysi Kurt, as well as AK Party and MHP members of parliament.
Inauguration of Yozgat Akdağmadeni High-Speed Train Station
Uraloğlu also spoke during the inauguration ceremony of the YHT station in Akdağmadeni district of Yozgat, where he mentioned the reduction of the distance between Ankara and Sivas to 405 kilometers with the Ankara-Sivas YHT Line.
He stated, “Since its opening, we have transported approximately 900,000 passengers on the Ankara-Sivas YHT Line. We have reduced the travel time between Sivas and Ankara to 2.5 hours, between Ankara and Yozgat to 1.5 hours, and between Ankara and Akdağmadeni to 2 hours.”
Uraloğlu also highlighted the construction efforts, stating, “Within the 405-kilometer route, we have constructed 49 tunnels and viaducts.”
He shared plans for the YHT Line, mentioning the construction of eight stations, including those in Kırıkkale, Yozgat, and Sivas. Uraloğlu expressed satisfaction with the progress and stated plans to open the Elmadağ, Yerköy, and Yıldızeli stations’ buildings during the summer.
Uraloğlu emphasized the role of the Ankara-Sivas YHT Line as a vital component of the east-west high-speed railway corridor spanning from Edirne to Kars, connecting the eastern and western regions of the country. He concluded by expressing hope for the involvement of the local community and support for the AK Party in the upcoming local elections.
The event also included a visit by Minister Uraloğlu to the Yerköy High-Speed Train Station, where he interacted with citizens and provided updates on the progress of the station and the railway line.
source: aa.com.tr/ prepared by Melisa Beğiç