Türkiye, strategically positioned between Europe and Asia, has long realized the vital importance of robust logistics and transportation infrastructure for economic prosperity. In recent decades, both the government and private sectors, bolstered by foreign investments, have collaborated to launch and complete ambitious projects that elevate Türkiye's stature as a nexus for trade and transport. The current size of Türkiye’s logistics industry is such that it accounts for 11 percent of the country’s GDP in 2022.  

Investing in transportation has transformed Türkiye’s infrastructure landscape, below are some indicators: 

Public and private infrastructure investments in the last ten years have significantly improved the logistics services provided in Türkiye. Many new airports have been built, and highways have spread across the country. In addition, the thriving high-speed train network has begun connecting major cities and the capacity of Turkish ports has been increased. Türkiye is also building 26 logistics centres/villages, of which 13 have been completed, that will serve to lower the costs of transportation by offering various modes of transportation within these centres/villages. 

A testament to this emphasis is the Marmaray project, completed in 2013, which seamlessly connects the European and Asian flanks of Istanbul via an underground rail, enhancing the city's role as a global transit hub. More rail projects are on the horizon, with high-speed lines linking Ankara to Izmir and Ankara to Sivas set for completion by 2023. Concurrently, efforts are underway to modernize existing railway networks, reflecting the nation's comprehensive approach to infrastructure development. 

Air connectivity too has witnessed significant transformation. The Istanbul Airport, inaugurated in 2018, is emblematic of Türkiye's aviation ambitions, rapidly becoming one of the world's major aerial gateways. The government's commitment extends beyond this mega hub, with investments channelled to bolster air cargo facilities nationwide and plans afoot to upscale regional airports. 

While railway and air infrastructure have been focal points, port development has also seen noteworthy advancements. New container terminals dotting the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts are augmenting Istanbul's natural positioning as a maritime conduit between the European and Asian continents. 

Melding historic importance with futuristic visions, Türkiye's logistics infrastructure stands out as a dynamic blend of strategy, ambition, and pragmatism. Challenges persist, but the concerted efforts from all stakeholders ensure Türkiye's continued ascent as a pivotal global logistics hub in the 21st century. 

The Turkish government has set challenging targets to be achieved by 2053 in an effort to improve logistics infrastructure. These targets include, but are not limited to: 

• Currently having a total road network of 68,768 km, it aims to increase to 38,000 km being dual carriage way (50% of the Total Road network) by 2035. 

• Having a total railway network of 25,000 km, of which 12,000 km will be high-speed railway 

• Increasing annual passenger transportation to 1 billion persons and freight transportation to 125 million tons 

• Increasing the total number of passenger airplanes from 487 to 750 

• Constructing new airports in a move to increase total annual capacity to 400 million passengers 

• Increasing container handling capacity from 8.4 million TEU to 32 million TEU 

• Increasing vessel fleet carrying capacity from 29.2 million DWT to 50 million DWT 

• Building one port in each of the three seas surrounding Türkiye 

Immense growth is expected according to 2023 GDP targets, with the industry estimated to reach a volume of USD 200-240 billion by 2023.