The First National Suburban Train in Gaziray Begins Operation
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, announced: "With the commissioning of national trains on the Gaziray line, we have left behind the era of import dependency and opened the door to a new domestic and national period in railway transportation."
Commencement of National Train Delivery in Gaziray
Minister Uraloğlu, during the National Suburban Train (Gaziray) Vehicle Delivery and Dynamic Road Test Launch Ceremony at the Gaziray Taşlıca Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Center, emphasized that the Gaziray project was put into service in 2022 through the collaboration between the ministry and the metropolitan municipality of Gaziantep.
This project, connecting the city center with two industrial zones through 16 stations, has helped reduce urban traffic congestion. The 25.5-kilometer route consists of four railway tracks, with two tracks designated for high-speed trains and two for suburban trains.
A Major Step in the National Railway Industry
Uraloğlu expressed his excitement about the commissioning of the first national train in Gaziray and said:
"Today, we are sharing incredible news with you. The electric Gaziray trains, developed by TÜRASAŞ, represent a significant milestone in Turkey’s national railway technology."
He emphasized that with the deployment of these trains, import dependency will be reduced, and a new era of domestic production will begin.
Technical Features of the National Gaziray Trains
These trains have been designed and equipped in a way that reflects the cultural identity of Gaziantep. Some of their features include:
- Capacity per train: 1,000 passengers (206 seated)
- Operating speed: 90 kilometers per hour
- Aluminum body for increased durability and reduced weight
- 4 carriages, including 2 driver cabins
- Equipped with 42 information displays inside and outside the train
- 16 internal security cameras and 4 external cameras for enhanced safety
- Dedicated space for passengers with wheelchairs
Production and Delivery Schedule of the Trains
Minister Uraloğlu announced that a total of 8 train sets consisting of 32 carriages will be produced. The delivery schedule is as follows:
- First train: March 2024
- Next three trains: August 2024
- Final three trains: October 2024
124 Billion Lira Investment in Gaziantep's Infrastructure
Minister Uraloğlu referred to the investments made in the transportation sector and stated:
"In the last 23 years, we have invested more than 124 billion lira in the transportation and communication infrastructure of Gaziantep."
Key Projects in the Transportation Sector
- Complete renewal and modernization of Gaziantep’s railway infrastructure
- 69% progress in the construction of the high-speed train line Mersin – Adana – Osmaniye – Gaziantep
- Reduction of travel time between these cities from 6.5 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Establishment of a new terminal with a capacity of 6 million passengers per year at Gaziantep Airport
The Role of Gaziray in Developing National Transportation
The Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, Fatma Şahin, stated during the ceremony:
"We have proven that Gaziray is a successful model for developing national transportation. Today, we have launched the first national train, and soon we will also activate the high-speed train."
At the end of the ceremony, Minister Uraloğlu and other officials toured the new train and conducted a driving test.
