Turkish state-run rail operator TCDD plans to launch high-speed train services between capital Ankara and central province of Konya by the end of 2010.

Infrastructure works will be completed in a month and superstructure is expected to be finished in the next two months on the 306-kilometer railway, the second phase of high-speed railway network of the country.

TCDD launched its first high-speed train services in March 2009 to connect Ankara and Eskisehir on a 245-kilometer electrified and signalled double line that reduced travel time to one and a half hours from nearly three hours.

Ankara-Eskisehir line is part of the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed rail project which is still underway.

The 805-million lira rail project between Ankara and Konya will reduce 10 hours journey time to 75 minutes. Current travel time takes so long as there is no direct line between two cities.

AA