Rail freight in Southeastern Europe is about to acquire a new service starting on 3 September. METRANS will launch a direct link between its terminal in Dunajska Streda, Slovakia and the Halkali terminal outside Istanbul in the Western part of Turkey. The service results from a cooperation between METRANS, Danubia a.s and Omsan Logistics established in early July.

The Dunajska Streda-Halkalli service will offer two weekly trips in each direction. Trains will depart from both terminals on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a transit time of around six days. They will use the route Turkey – Bulgaria – Serbia – Hungary – Slovakia and vice versa.

“Through this connection, the transport of containers is ensured not only between Turkey and Slovakia but also will have access to all destinations within METRANS’ distribution network in countries such as Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and others,” said METRANS.

Halkali terminal

The Halkali terminal in Istanbul has been monopolising the logistics interest in Turkey for more than a year now. Turkey’s turn to rail freight and the massive investments to become the frontrunner for Silk Road and European services have inevitably shed light on some critical hubs. The Halkali terminal is one of them. Located on Istanbul’s western outskirts, the terminal is the entry/exit point for trains transiting between Turkey and the European mainland.

Multiple companies already use it, from regional players to rail freight leaders. METRANS is the latest company to add a direct link to Halkali, but before that, companies like Kombiverkehr, PKP Cargo International, Gopet Trans, CEVA Logistics and Mars Logistics showed the way and the importance that the Turkish hub is acquiring.

Also read:

• New entry: Istanbul-Munich intermodal train for rookie customer
• Turkey and Czech Republic linked with new intermodal service
• Gopet Trans sets up Halkali-Antwerp connection as demand grows
• CEVA Logistics rail agenda expands with strategic Eurasian links