Rail systems to use 51 pct domestic materials

Turkey is looking to increase the use of locally-sourced parts and equipment in subways, light rail systems, tramway and similar vehicles operated by its different public institutions, organizations, municipalities and provincial special administrations.

A Prime Ministry circular published in the Official Gazette confirmed the news, clarifying that "the subways, light rail systems, trams and similar vehicles produced by the public institutions and organizations, municipalities, special provincial administrations and their affiliated or related institutions, organizations and companies, provided that they act upon safety, security, saving and competition principles, will be at least 51 percent domestic."

It also suggested that the provisions of the secondary legislation, preventing the presentation of domestic production and services, especially the technical specifications for the purchase of products and services produced in Turkey, will not be included and points out that all necessary measures will be taken in order to encourage the technical and administrative provisions that will enable the use of domestic production and services in tenders and other procurements related to domestic production and purchases.

Meanwhile, the general manager of Turkish State Railways (TCDD), İsa Apaydın, claimed that 90 percent of Turkey's high-speed trains were domestically manufactured and added that until 2023, the sector will receive investments worth TL 152 billion ($39.3 billion), of which TL 128 billion will go to the domestic production of vehicles. Apaydın also noted that the first domestic electric locomotive, which will turn Turkey into a world leader in the sector, will hit the tracks within the next two years.