04.07.2026 23:40
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that the Çerkezköy-Kapıkule section of the Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Train Project is targeted to be put into service by the end of the year. Uraloglu also stated that when the Kınalı-Malkara Highway is completed, the travel time between Istanbul and Çanakkale will decrease from 3.5 hours to 2 hours.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made important statements regarding transportation investments at programs he attended in Tekirdağ. Stating that test drives have started for the Halkalı-Kapıkule High Speed Train Project, Uraloğlu said they aim to open the Çerkezköy-Kapıkule section for service by the end of the year. The Minister announced that with the completion of the Kınalı-Malkara Highway, the travel time between Istanbul and Çanakkale will decrease to 2 hours.
"TARGET FOR HALKALI-KAPIKULE HIGH SPEED TRAIN IS END OF THE YEAR"
Drawing attention to Turkey's strategic position in the Middle Corridor, Uraloğlu stated that the Halkalı-Kapıkule Railway Line is one of the most critical transportation projects opening to Europe. Stating that 44 kilometers of the 229-kilometer Halkalı-Kapıkule High Speed Train Project passes through the borders of Tekirdağ, Minister Uraloğlu said that test drives have started on the 153-kilometer Çerkezköy-Kapıkule section, which is the first phase of the project. Uraloğlu said, "After our test drives, we aim to quickly complete the certification processes and put this section of our line into operation before the end of this year." Stating that work continues on the 69-kilometer Ispartakule-Çerkezköy section, Uraloğlu stated that the final section that will provide the Halkalı connection is planned to be completed next year.
"TRAVEL TIME WILL DECREASE FROM 4 HOURS TO 1.5 HOURS"
With the completion of the project, passenger travel time between Halkalı and Kapıkule will decrease from 4 hours to 1.5 hours, and freight transport time from 8.5 hours to 3.5 hours. While the annual passenger capacity is targeted to increase from 600,000 to 3.4 million, freight transport capacity is targeted to rise from 1.5 million tons to 9.6 million tons. Uraloğlu stated that with this investment, Thrace will become an important logistics center in Europe-Asia railway transportation.
"TRAVEL TIME BETWEEN ISTANBUL AND ÇANAKKALE WILL DECREASE TO 2 HOURS"
Stating that construction work continues on the Kınalı-Malkara Highway, one of the important projects for Tekirdağ, Uraloğlu noted that with the completion of the highway, travel time between Istanbul and Tekirdağ will decrease to under 1 hour. Minister Uraloğlu said, "Travel time between Istanbul and Çanakkale will decrease from 3.5 hours to 2 hours. Additionally, the northern front of the Marmara Highway Ring will be completely connected."
"VELİMEŞE JUNCTION WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE HIGHWAYS"
Also addressing the transportation issue experienced after the closure of the level crossing in Velimeşe Neighborhood for security reasons, Uraloğlu announced that the junction to be built in the area will be undertaken by the General Directorate of Highways. Uraloğlu said, "With the necessary cooperation under the coordination of our Governor, we, as the General Directorate of Highways, have undertaken the construction of the junction. May it be auspicious for our Tekirdağ region."