Turkish Companies’ Railway Systems Infrastructure Service Export Success in the World Market – Dr. Ilhami Pektas

Despite the recession and increased risk period in the global market, Turkey ranks second in the world with 44 companies in the international construction industry. While the volume of international construction market was 487.3 billion USD in 2018, the Turkish companies took only 4.6 percent of this market.

Turkish construction companies undertook 276 international projects worth 20 billion USD, corresponding to 4.6% of the market abroad. Power plants took the lead in the projects, and 2 European countries took place in the list of the top 10 countries which do the highest volume of business. Among the projects we did, most are power plants with a share of 15.5%, followed by Highways / Tunnels / Bridges, Military Facilities, Railways and Airports. Regional distribution of projects taken in 2018 is as follows: Commonwealth of Independent States 35.6% ($ 7.1 billion), Middle East 30.6% ($ 6.1 billion), Europe and America 21% ($ 4.1 billion), Africa 12.5% ($ 2.5 billion) and Asia 0.5% ($ 92.7 million).

Turkish contractors won the most important tenders last year in Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sudan, Poland, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Algeria.

Foreign tenders won by the Turkish companies in the area of rail systems infrastructures are mentioned below:

Dnieper Railway and Highway Bridge (Kiev / Ukraine):

The project undertaken by Dogus Construction in Ukraine includes the construction of a railway and highway bridge, comprising 6 highway lanes and 2 railway lines, besides the construction of the bridge’s passing parts comprising 13-17 scaffolds and the superstructures of these scaffolds. The carrying capacity of the bridge is 60,000 cars / day and 120 trains / day for each direction. This project is one of the biggest projects of a Turkish contracting company completed in Ukraine in recent years.

Mumbai Metro Line III, Part UGC-03 (Mumbai/India):

The project undertaken by Dogus Construction includes the construction of the 5.05-kilometer-long metro line and the construction of the 3.55-kilometer-long double line tunnel with 5 stations between Mumbai Train Station and Worli. Electromechanical works are also carried out within the scope of the project.

Riyadh Metro (Riyadh / Saudi Arabia) :

The project undertaken by Dogus Construction includes the construction of the TBM tunnels of the Northern and Southern lines of the 16.5-kilometer-long Riyadh Metro and the establishment of the piling, injection, construction works and rails, besides the pedestrian roads.

Sofia Metro Extension Project, Line II Lot 1 (Sofia/Bulgaria):

The project undertaken by Dogus Construction includes the design, construction, test and commissioning of the 4.1-kilometer-long metro line that includes 4 stations which are Nadejda Intersection, Central Train Station, Svata Nedelya Square and Patriarch Evtimii Boulevard. This project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Bulgaria in recent years.

Sofia Metro Extension Project, Line II Lot 4 (Sofia/Bulgaria):

The project, which is the extension of the Sofia Metro Project, is undertaken by Dogus Construction and includes the construction of the 5.97-kilometer-long tunnel going through Nadejda Intersection, Botevgradsko Shosse Storage Area, VI. Vazov Boulevard, City Center and “Ovcha Kupel” Region.

Dnipro Metro Construction (Dnipro/Ukraine):

The project undertaken by Limak Construction and whose agreement was signed in July 2016 includes the design and construction of the 4-kilometer-long metro line and 3 stations. Within the scope of the project which will be financed by the European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the construction of the 8-kilometer double tube tunnel, each of which are 4 kilometers; the connection construction for the current metro line and stations; the construction, electric and mechanical equipment works of superstructures, downward tunnels and 3 stations; and the construction, supply and assembly of the electrification, signalization and telecommunication systems of the rail and joint bars and railway superstructure will be carried out. The project is planned to be completed in 2021.

Warsaw Underground Line II (Warsaw/Poland):

The project undertaken by Gulermak Construction includes the design, construction works, art works, architectural works, rail works, signalization and electromechanical works of the 6.5-kilometer double line metro with 7 underground stations.

Dubai Metro Expo 2020 (Dubai / UAE):

Gulermak Construction’s project includes the design, construction and art works, architectural works, rail works, signalization and electromechanical works of the 2 underground and 5 over ground metro stations, the construction of the 15-kilometer-long double line metro and the supply of the Expo 2020 metro vehicle.

Warsaw Underground Line II (Warsaw/Poland):

The project undertaken by Gulermak Construction includes the design, construction works, art works, architectural works, rail works, signalization and electromechanical works of the 2.5-kilometer double line metro with 3 underground stations.

Lucknow Metro (Lucknow/India):

The project undertaken by Gulermak Construction includes the design, construction works, art works, architectural works, rail works, signalization and electromechanical works of the 3.68-kilometer double line metro with the construction of 3 underground stations and viaduct metro lines.

Dar Es Salaam – Morogoro Railway (Tanzania):

The project, which will be constructed by Yapi Merkezi as a turnkey project, includes all design works, infrastructure construction works, track laying, signalization, communication systems, spare part supply, electrification and employee training of the 202-kilometer-long single line railway between Dar Es Salaam and Morogoro, whose design speed is 160 kilometers per hour. A total of 33 million m3 of excavation work will be carried out during the 30-month project period; A total of 96 bridges and underpasses-overpasses in the length of 6.500 meters, 460 culverts, 6 stations and repair-maintenance workshops will be built.

Morogoro – Makutupora Railway (Tanzania):

Passing through the capital city Dodoma and to be constructed by Yapi Merkezi, the project for this line will be a turnkey project and involves all the infrastructure and superstructure works including technological units such as electrification and signalization. The construction of the railway, which covers 409 kilometers in length with workshop areas, warehouse and side lines, will take 36 months.

Awash – Kombolcha – Hara Gebaya Railway (Ethiopia):

The project undertaken by Yapı Merkezi includes carrying out all design works, material supply, infrastructure construction works, repair-maintenance workshops, stations, administrative buildings, track laying, signalization, catenary, energy supply, communication systems, spare parts supply and training works and commissioning of the project on a turn-key basis.

Dakar – AIBD (Airport) High Speed Train Line (Senegal):

With the project undertaken by Yapı Merkezi; a fast, modern, high frequency rail system will be established between Dakar, Diamniadio and AIBD Airport. Besides the new airport, the TER Dakar project will cover Thiarraoye, Rufistque, Integrated Private Economical Zone and Diamniadio, and serve the second university of Dakar and other important locations of the city such as the industrial park.

Doha Metro (Golden Line) (Doha/Qatar):

The joint venture of the project has been created with Yapi Merkezi and STFA from Turkey, Aktor from Greece, LarsenToubro from India and Al Jaber Engineering from Qatar. Having 40 % of the total share, Yapi Merkezi and STFA has the largest share in the Joint Venture mentioned in the construction agreement of the Golden Line, which has the largest volume among the packages of Doha Metro.

CTW 130 – Sadara & Jubail Railway (Saudi Arabia):

This project will be carried out by Yapi Merkezi. Once completed, it will ensure 12.000 tons of freight shipment per day, and 4.000.000 tons of freight shipment per year.

Jeddah Station (Jeddah / Saudi Arabia):

The 450-kilometer-long Haramain High Speed Train Project, established through Mecca – Jeddah – King Abdullah Economic City – Medina in Saudi Arabia, will connect the cities of Mecca, Jeddah, KAEC and Medina, thus provide pilgrims and pilgrim candidates a significant transport opportunity especially during the holy pilgrimage period. Yapı Merkezi is responsible for the completion of construction works, testing and submission to the operating company of Jeddah Central Station building, which is one of the 4 central station buildings constructed within the scope of this project.

Sidi Bel Abbes Tram (Algeria):

The average commercial speed of the tram is 19.1 km/h between the stations, with the distances from 400 m and 1370 m built by Yapı Merkezi. The system, which is expected to carry an average of 40,000 passengers per day, has provided a definite and lasting solution to the transportation problem of modernized Sidi bel Abbes as a sustainable, environmentally friendly, long-lasting and modern infrastructure.

A Touta – Zeralda Railway (Algeria):

Built by the Yapi Merkezi- Infrarail SpA Consortium and linking the capital Algiers with the Suburb of Zeralda, the 23-kilometer-long new double-line has the design speed of 140 km/h. The turnkey project involves 10 million m³ of soil movement and 30.000m² of art construction; all systems including electrification, signalization (ERTMS Level1) and telecommunication; and environmental design, operation-setting and employee training services.

Casablanca Tram Second Line (Morocco):

The Casablanca Tram Second Line Project to be put into operation by Yapi Merkezi in Morocco is the continuation of the first line constructed by Yapı Merkezi between 2010-2013. Yapı Merkezi was rewarded by LRTA with “The Best Project of the Year” for its success in the completion of the first line, and this outstanding performance had an important role in committing the Second Line Project to Yapi Merkezi. The main business items within the scope of the project, which were announced at the end of the tender in March 2016 and planned to be completed in 29 months, are as follows: 16.314-meter-long platforms, 22 stations, 34 intersections, 1 storage, 1 workshop building, 1 line intersection, bridge, over-pile platforms etc.

Setif Tram (Algeria):

Setif Tram Project was conducted by the Yapı Merkezi – Alstom Consortium. In Setif/Algeria, all construction works of the project were carried out by Yapı Merkezi and system works were handled by Alstom. The project consists of two parts: certain and conditional. Besides the construction of the CDM workshop; the certain part includes a 15.2 km line connecting the east of the city with El-Bez University, which is located in the west of the city. The 7.2-kilometer-long conditional section connects the Governorate Intersection with the final stop at Ain-Trick. Setif Tram, which will serve with 26 stations, was opened on 8 May 2018 in front of the Setif Provincial Building.