Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 25, Türkiye's first privately developed intermodal terminal, Railport, has officially commenced rail operations with the departure of its inaugural train from the facility in Kartepe.

The train departure is part of the objective of building a consistent logistics route between Türkiye and Europe using rail transport.

The service, operated by experienced European railway operator Metrans, represents the start of regular intermodal terminal activities and adds significant capacity to Türkiye's combined transport network.

The collaboration between Railport and Metrans establishes a foundation for reliable rail connections between Türkiye and Europe, integrating the terminal into established international intermodal corridors. Following the successful first departure, both companies plan to introduce scheduled train services.

Railport General Manager Fatih Yılmazkarasu stated: "The first train departure from Railport is a tangible demonstration of the contribution our terminal will make to rail transportation in Türkiye. This operation marks the beginning of our long-term strategy aimed at enabling more effective use of intermodal transportation nationwide and offering competitive solutions to our customers."

Located in Kartepe, Railport was developed through a partnership between Arkas Holding and European terminal operator duisport. The facility covers 265,000 square metres and required a total investment of $300 million.

During a logistics conference held in Istanbul from 3–5 November 2025, Yılmazkarasu added: "At Railport, our goal is to make Türkiye the most effective logistics hub of the Middle Corridor. With a total investment of $300m, Railport operates on a vast 265,000m2 area. We have an annual handling capacity of 360,000 TEU containers, 1.5 million tonnes of general cargo, 125,000 trailers, and 122,000 finished vehicles—making us one of Türkiye's largest and most modern inland terminals.

"Here, we are not only talking about numbers but about vision. Because Railport was designed to be one of the strongest links in trade between Asia and Europe."

Equipped with advanced operational systems and infrastructure capable of handling diverse cargo types, Railport is positioned to support both domestic requirements and international trade flows. The terminal's strategic location and technology integration are expected to provide more predictable schedules, enhanced safety standards, and efficient cargo movement across the expanding Asia–Europe transport corridor.