The World Bank has approved $660 million in financing to aid Türkiye in expanding its electric rail transportation. This initiative aims to enhance the movement of goods across the country, boost exports, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Eastern Türkiye Middle Corridor Railway Development Project focuses on modernizing one of the oldest sections of Türkiye's rail network. It will replace diesel-powered trains with a fully electrified railway line spanning 660 kilometers from Divriği in Sivas province to Kars near the Georgian border. The project is expected to benefit nearly 600,000 people living along the route and local businesses.
This section forms part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, connecting China, Central Asia, South Caucasus, Türkiye, and the European Union by rail and sea. Upon completion, it will increase rail freight capacity from approximately 750,000 tons to 20 million tons annually.
"By modernizing and expanding rail connectivity, Türkiye can make progress towards several strategic goals," said Humberto Lopez, World Bank Country Director for Türkiye. These goals include boosting local economies and creating jobs in underserved areas while contributing to decarbonizing the transport sector.
Currently, about 95% of goods in Türkiye are transported by road freight. This project aims to reduce travel times and logistics costs while improving connectivity between western and eastern regions. Road freight accounts for up to 50% of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector; thus decarbonizing it is crucial for reducing emissions overall.
Reducing carbon emissions is particularly important as the European Union plans to impose tariffs on carbon-intensive products starting in 2026. The EU market represents 40% of Turkish exports. By 2030, when fully implemented, this project could avoid emitting over 72,000 tons of carbon annually—a figure projected to grow significantly by 2060.
The improved connectivity is anticipated to bring socio-economic benefits to four provinces—Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum, and Kars—which lag behind national economic averages. These areas are also vulnerable to extreme weather events highlighting the need for resilient infrastructure.
"By improving climate-resilient connectivity...the project has potential benefits for women, youth and vulnerable communities," noted Murad Gurmeric from the World Bank Project Team Leaders.
Additional financing comes from partners like Islamic Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank alongside significant contributions from Türkiye's government itself.