Anatolia News Agency reported that bids from 26 firms have been placed for the first phase of the construction of the 169 kilometers long İzmir to Ankara fast train project. The first phase will cover the distance between the capital city and western Afyon province's Afyonkarahisar.

The fast speed İzmir to Ankara rail line is expected to be ready by 2015. With the current rail system, a train between İzmir and Ankara takes approximately 13 hours. This new fast speed train will reduce travel time to 3.5 hours.

Local firms which have placed bids include Alsim, Alarko, Tekfen, Nurol, Doğuş, Kolin, Limak, Koçoğlu, Gülermak and Kalyon. Foreign bidders include Chinese Sinohydro; Spanish Assignia Infraestructuras ile Constructora; Italy’s Astaldi, Grand Lavori Fironcosit and Toto SPA Constuzioni Generali; Austrian PORR Bau and Russian Moskovski Metrostroy.

The Turkish State Railways executive board will examine the offers and award the most appropriate firm with the contract for the first phase of the project.

(Sourced from Anatolia News Agency)