Siemens Mobility has delivered 12 high-speed Velaro trains ordered by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD). As of June 2021, the whole Velaro fleet is expected to be available for the commercial services.

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

Adil Karaismailoglu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey, said: “The sets will be used on the high-speed 1,213-kilometers 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 533 kilometres, 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 twelve eight-car Velaro TR trains were ordered in 2018 and 2019. The contract included 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 optimized capacity profile and enhanced passenger experience. Passengers can choose between three car classes: The Business Class consisting of three compartments with four comfort seats each; the First Class offering 45 seats; and the 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 the Business and First Class – from touch displays integrated in the seats.

The Velaro trains were developed for the global market and are currently operating in Spain, France, Germany, the UK, Belgium, Russia, China, Turkey, and the Netherlands. – TradeArabia News Service