The national rail freight volume in Turkey stood at 13.79 Billion Tonne Kilometers in 2023. Between 2013 and 2023, the sector experienced fluctuations, with some notable peaks and troughs. Particularly, the steep decline in 2020 by -42.92% due to pandemic-induced disruptions was followed by a strong rebound in 2021 with a 72.78% increase. The overall Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the last five years ending in 2023 was 0.94%, indicating modest growth despite significant yearly variations.
Looking ahead, the forecasted values from 2024 to 2028 suggest a steady positive growth trajectory, with an annual average growth rate (CAGR) of 1.34% and a total anticipated increase of 6.9% over the next five years. This forecast suggests a more stable period for national rail freight compared to the past decade.
Future trends to watch for:
- Investments in rail infrastructure improvements, which could enhance capacity and efficiency.
- Government policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, potentially increasing reliance on rail freight as a greener alternative to road transport.
- Integration of technology and digitalization for better tracking and operations management.
