Türkiye plans to increase the number of provinces directly connected by high-speed rail from 11 to 27 by 2028 [1].

The expansion represents a significant scaling of the nation's transport infrastructure to improve regional connectivity and transit efficiency across the country.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said the objective is to broaden the reach of the high-speed network. According to the minister, the goal is to bring the total number of connected provinces to 27 [1] within the next few years.

Currently, 11 provinces are linked by the high-speed rail system [1]. The proposed expansion would more than double the current footprint of the network, a move intended to modernize the movement of people and goods across various administrative regions.

"Türkiye plans to increase the number of provinces directly connected by high-speed rail from 11 to 27 by 2028," Uraloğlu said [1].

The initiative focuses on integrating more urban centers into the fast-transit corridor to reduce travel times and decrease reliance on other modes of transport. The government's timeline targets the completion of these links by 2028 [1].

“Türkiye plans to increase the number of provinces directly connected by high-speed rail from 11 to 27 by 2028.”

This infrastructure push suggests a strategic effort by the Turkish government to decentralize economic activity by making distant provinces more accessible to major hubs. By more than doubling the number of connected provinces, Türkiye is attempting to create a more integrated internal market and reduce the logistical bottlenecks associated with traditional rail and road networks.