New railway project sparks interest in Thrace

The ongoing Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Railway project, a key component of the Asia-Europe corridor, is driving investment in Thrace, a region bordering Istanbul.

The project, announced in 2019, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Halkalı and Kapıkule, boosting both passenger and freight transportation.

"Türkiye is a bridge between Asia and Europe in terms of transportation," said Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, emphasizing the project's strategic importance.

The railway line, which will pass through several towns including Çerkezköy, Lüleburgaz and Edirne, is already impacting real estate prices. Data from Endeksa, a real estate valuation company, shows a 5 percent to 8 percent increase in property values in the region between January and May 2024.

Thrace's proximity to Istanbul and the anticipated ease of transportation are attracting both real estate investors and manufacturers. The region has seen a surge in demand for residential properties, industrial facilities and agricultural land.

Bülent Öztürk, Chairman of the Board of arsaVev, a real estate company, noted, "People want to live outside the busy city life but still be close to the city center. They are looking for low-rise, safe and garden-style properties."

The train line between Halkalı and Kapıkule starts from Halkalı and reaches Kapıkule with stations in Ispartakule, Çatalca, Çerkezköy, Büyükkarıştıran, Lüleburgaz, Babaeski and Edirne. The first phase of the project, the 153-kilometer section between Çerkezköy and Kapıkule, is planned to be completed by the end of 2025; the 67-kilometer section between Ispartakule and Çerkezköy and the nine-kilometer section between Halkalı and Ispartakule are planned to be...