Aluminium bodied National Train of Turkey to run on rails in 2020

Adil Karaismailoğlu, Minister for Transport & Infrastructure, Turkey, on 15^th June during a visit to state-owned passenger rolling stock manufacturer Tüvasaş said: “National Train electric multiple-unit developed under a programme to increase the use of domestic technology and support the adoption of TSI standards has been completed and is expected to enter revenue service this year.”

The 25 kV 50 Hz EMU is designed for 160 km/h operation but will be tested at up to 176 km/h.

The Minister said work was continuing on the design of a 225 km/h train-set, but gave no indication when this might be ready to enter service.

The National Train is incorporated with five aluminium-bodied coaches, including first-class and a buffet car, with a total of 324 seats, two spaces for disabled passengers, LED lighting and five toilets. The axle load is less than 18 tonnes.

Principal contractors include Aselsan, which has designed the train control and management systems, bogie supplier Bozankaya and traction equipment supplier Tülomsaş.

An official launch ceremony is planned for 30^th August’20, to mark the start of operational testing. A ceremony which was planned for 29^th May’20, but it was cancelled. However, owing to the ongoing process to create state-owned railway equipment, the supplier Türasaş had been merged with Tüvasaş and loco manufacturer Tülomsaş and wagon builder Tüdemsaş.