Türkiye has outlined a broad strategy to further modernize and expand its transport and infrastructure network, aiming to strengthen trade performance, improve connectivity, and support sustainable economic growth. The Transport and Infrastructure Ministry’s program sets out long-term priorities across rail, maritime, air, road, and communications sectors, with a focus on technological development, service quality and nationwide accessibility.

The roadmap reflects Türkiye’s ambition to position itself as a regional logistics and transit hub linking Europe, Asia and the Middle East, while also ensuring that infrastructure improvements benefit communities across the country.

Expanding Digital and Postal Access Nationwide

A central pillar of the strategy is improving information and communications technologies (ICT) and expanding universal services.

The ministry plans to:

• Increase the number of settlements receiving mobile communications services from 3,691 to 3,905.

• Expand universal postal services to 37,826 settlements across the country.

• Support the domestic development of transportation, maritime and electronic communications technologies.

• Increase the number of research and development (R&D) projects in these sectors to 60.

These initiatives are designed to reduce regional disparities, improve digital inclusion and strengthen Türkiye’s domestic technological capacity in critical infrastructure sectors.

Railways: Modernization, Electrification and High-Speed Expansion

Rail transport remains a core focus of Türkiye’s infrastructure strategy, particularly as the country seeks to promote environmentally friendly and efficient transport alternatives.

Key railway targets include:

• Expanding the total railway network to 14,437 kilometers.

• Increasing the share of double-track railway lines to 19% of the main network.

• Raising the proportion of electrified railway lines to 55%.

• Extending high-speed train lines to 2,769 kilometers.

• Increasing the share of signaled railway lines to 65%.

• Renovating 281 kilometers of railway lines.

• Raising railway passenger transport’s share to 5.93% of total passenger transport.

Urban rail development is also a priority. The total length of urban rail systems is projected to reach 487.1 kilometers, with approximately 260 stations in operation.

The number of active level crossings is expected to increase to 1,246 as part of safety and accessibility improvements.

Together, these measures aim to provide safer, more comfortable and more environmentally sustainable rail services, while shifting both passenger and freight transport toward rail.

Strengthening Maritime and Port Infrastructure

As a country surrounded by seas on three sides and strategically located along major trade corridors, Türkiye continues to invest heavily in maritime transport and port infrastructure.

Planned targets include:

• Increasing the number of vehicles transported by Ro-Ro vessels to above 5 million.

• Raising transited container cargo to 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).

• Expanding coastal shipping cargo volume to 71.9 million tons.

• Increasing total container handling to 15.1 million TEU.

• Raising cargo handled by Turkish-flagged vessels at domestic ports to 101.9 million tons.

• Increasing the number of cruise ships calling at Turkish ports to 1,500.

The completion of the Rize İyidere Logistics Port is also expected to strengthen Black Sea trade capacity and support regional economic activity.

These investments aim to enhance Türkiye’s competitiveness in global shipping and solidify its position as a logistics gateway between continents.

Combined Transport and Rail-Port Connectivity

The ministry’s program places particular emphasis on developing combined (multimodal) transport systems, ensuring smoother integration between rail, sea, road and air transport.

Planned improvements include:

• Increasing the number of ports connected to railway lines from 19 to 20.

• Expanding the length of railway connection lines to 473.1 kilometers.

• Raising railways’ share in total freight transport to 4%.

By improving rail-port connectivity, Türkiye aims to reduce logistics costs, lower emissions, and increase efficiency in freight movement across domestic and international corridors.

Air Transport and Cargo Growth

Air transport infrastructure is also set for continued expansion, particularly in international connectivity and cargo capacity.

Targets include:

• Increasing international air cargo volume by 4.8%.

• Expanding total airport aircraft capacity by 1.3%.

• Raising the number of international destinations served to 133.

These goals reflect Türkiye’s efforts to maintain its role as a major aviation hub, linking multiple regions through expanded passenger and cargo networks.

Road Safety and Vehicle Standards

In addition to expanding infrastructure capacity, the ministry aims to enhance road safety standards. The vehicle inspection rate is projected to rise to 80.5%, supporting safer transport conditions and regulatory compliance.

A Broader Vision: Trade, Sustainability and Technological Self-Reliance

Beyond individual sector targets, the overall strategy emphasizes:

• Sustainable and environmentally conscious transport systems.

• Increased domestic production and technological self-reliance.

• Balanced regional development.

• Enhanced trade performance through improved logistics.

By investing in rail electrification, multimodal integration and maritime expansion, Türkiye seeks to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening its competitiveness in international trade.

At the same time, the focus on R&D and domestic technology development signals a long-term effort to reduce reliance on imported systems and foster innovation within the country’s transport and communications sectors.

Positioning Türkiye as a Global Transit Hub

With its geographic location bridging Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Türkiye’s infrastructure strategy is closely tied to its broader economic ambitions. Expanding rail corridors, enhancing port capacity, and strengthening aviation networks are intended to attract transit trade, increase export efficiency, and support economic growth.

If successfully implemented, the planned investments could further cement Türkiye’s role as a critical logistics and transportation hub - not only regionally, but globally.

The continued development of transport infrastructure, combined with digital expansion and technological innovation, underscores the country’s long-term objective: to achieve new trade records while building a modern, resilient and interconnected transport system.