The metro line linking central Istanbul, capital of Turkey, with the Istanbul Airport has begun its trial run and will enter operation next year, according to CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd.

The China-made train, with a designed speed of 120 kilometers per hour, had set a new speed record for the Turkish metro, said Adil Karaismailoglu, minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, after taking part in the test drive.

Adil Karaismailoglu (C), minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, takes part in a test drive. (Photo provided by CRRC)

"Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, CRRC staff overcame various difficulties to complete production of the new subway trains in just six months," said Li Yangyang, general manager of CRRC-MNG Rail System Vehicles Industry and Trade Ltd.

The China-built metro train adopts automatic driving and locomotive reconnection operation technology, and is able to meet the transportation needs of millions of local residents and tourists.

In January 2020, CRRC Zhuzhou signed a contract for 176 trains for the Istanbul Airport subway line with Turkey's Directorate-General of Infrastructure Investments. The contract requires a 60 percent localization rate in Turkey.

“The new metro line will save 29.2 million liras ($3.01 million) over the next three decades in terms of road maintenance costs, reduction of air pollution and travel time," added Karaismailoglu.