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Turkey Allocates Over ₺508 Billion to Transport and Communications in 2026

TCDD

Turkey is set to make one of its largest-ever public investments in transportation and communications in 2026, with railways emerging as the clear priority. According to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, more than ₺508 billion has been allocated from the central government budget to the sector this year, signaling a continued strategic focus on logistics, connectivity, and sustainable mobility.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Uraloğlu said the government remains committed to expanding both freight and passenger rail transportation, positioning Turkey as a key regional logistics hub connected to international trade corridors.

Transport and Communications Take the Largest Share of Public Investment

Under the 2026 Public Investment Program, a total of ₺1.92 trillion has been earmarked for public investments across all sectors. Transport and communications accounted for the largest share, at 26.5% of the total allocation.

Uraloğlu noted that 857 projects stand out within the sectoral breakdown. These include 565 highway projects, 91 railway projects, 63 urban transport initiatives, 45 aviation projects, 50 maritime projects, 22 motorway projects, and 20 communications projects.

“This year, transport and communications investments total ₺508.17 billion,” Uraloğlu said. “At the top of this list are railways, with an allocation of ₺261.58 billion.”

Railways Dominate the 2026 Investment Agenda

Railway investments account for more than half of the sector’s total allocation, reflecting Ankara’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on road transport and strengthen rail-based logistics.

According to Uraloğlu, funding for railways will be distributed as follows:

  • ₺111.58 billion for the General Directorate of Turkish State Railways (TCDD)

  • ₺38 billion for TCDD Transportation Inc.

  • ₺112 billion for other railway projects implemented directly by the Ministry

“We are continuing our investments to improve freight and passenger transportation on railways,” Uraloğlu said. “Our goal is to strengthen Turkey’s connections to international freight corridors and transform the country into a major logistics center in the region.”

Highways Rank Second After Railways

After railways, highway transportation received the second-largest allocation, totaling ₺166.96 billion.

The General Directorate of Highways will receive the bulk of this funding, with ₺165 billion allocated for road infrastructure projects. Smaller shares include ₺1.9 billion for the General Directorate of Security and ₺61 million for projects directly overseen by the Ministry.

In addition, ₺14.9 billion has been earmarked specifically for motorway investments, underscoring the continued importance of road transport alongside rail development.

Urban Transport and Aviation Funding

Urban transportation projects are also set to receive significant funding. Uraloğlu stated that ₺24.99 billion has been allocated for city-level transport systems, with the entire amount placed under the Ministry’s authority.

Aviation infrastructure will receive ₺24.81 billion in investment funding. Within this category:

  • ₺21 billion will go to the State Airports Authority (DHMI)

  • ₺2.18 billion is allocated directly to the Ministry

  • ₺1.57 billion is reserved for the General Directorate of Meteorology

  • ₺58 million is allocated to the Civil Aviation Authority

These investments aim to modernize airport infrastructure, enhance air traffic safety, and support aviation-related public services.

Maritime and Communications Investments

For maritime transportation, a total of ₺8.79 billion has been allocated. Of this amount, ₺4.63 billion will be used by the Ministry, while ₺3.58 billion will go to the Directorate General of Coastal Safety, which plays a key role in maritime navigation and emergency response.

The communications sector will receive ₺6.14 billion in funding. According to Uraloğlu, ₺5.7 billion of this amount will be allocated to Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), while ₺376 million will go to the Ministry and ₺60 million to the Presidency of Communications.

Six Major Rail Projects Receive the Bulk of Funding

Uraloğlu emphasized that within the Ministry’s own investment portfolio, railways once again represent the largest spending area. More than ₺96 billion of the Ministry’s ₺112 billion railway budget has been allocated to six major projects.

Key allocations include:

  • ₺11.72 billion for the Yerköy–Kayseri High-Standard Railway Project

  • ₺19.17 billion for the infrastructure of the Ankara–Polatlı–Afyonkarahisar–Uşak–Manisa–İzmir High-Speed Rail Line

  • ₺18.92 billion for the Bandırma–Bursa–Yenişehir–Osmaneli High-Speed Rail Project

  • ₺13.39 billion for the Halkalı–Çerkezköy Railway Line

  • ₺21.57 billion for the Mersin–Adana–Osmaniye–Gaziantep High-Standard Railway Project

  • ₺11.82 billion for the Kars–Iğdır–Aralık–Dilucu Railway Project

Additionally, ₺5.78 billion has been allocated for the construction of a railway connection line in 2026.

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