Turkey's aluminium-bodied 'National Train' to go 'on tracks' in 2019

Turkey has upped the momentum of its 'National Train' programme. The first fleet of its 21 five-car, electric multiple units, all aluminium-bodied trains are being developed locally and are scheduled to be on the tracks in 2019. It has also received a green signal from the national passenger operator TCDD Tasimacilik.

The lightweight aluminium trainsets, meant to run at 160 kmph speed, are being fabricated at the workshop of Tüvasas in Turkey's Sakarya province. Tüvasas, the leading brand in design and engineering work, are making use of a higher proportion of local locomotive components than what makes up the existing designs.

The company showcased a mock-up of the train exterior at the Eurasiarail trade show in Istanbul on March 2-4, 2017.

The National Train programme was undertaken by the Turkish government to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and build a strong domestic supply chain. The project also intends to promote the domestic suppliers' capabilities to deliver products that comply with the European Technical Specifications for Interoperability.

Prior to this project, Tüvasas had supplied TSI-compliant hauled locomotive parts and coaches to Bulgaria, and considers the National Train EMU as a big stepping stone that would help it win more such orders internationally.

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Tüvasas has roped in many local contractors for sourcing bogies and traction equipment. Of these companies, the most important ones are Bozankaya (bogies) and Tülomsas (traction equipment). Tüvasas expects domestic companies to enter into licensing agreements with international suppliers as that would support the Turkish government's objectives of meeting local manufacturing targets.

The aluminium-bodied trains will come equipped with a host of advanced facilities. Each train will include first class and buffet cars and will be made accessible for passengers of reduced mobility. They will have a total seating capacity of 322 passengers plus two wheelchair accommodation. There will be an axleload of less than 18 tonnes, and the trains will operate under Turkey's standard 25 kV 50 Hz electrification.