British Steel has secured a multimillion-pound contract to supply rail for a high-speed infrastructure project in Turkey, triggering the company’s first 24/7 rail manufacturing operation in more than a decade. The order covers 36,000 tonnes of rail destined for a 599-kilometre high-speed line linking Ankara and İzmir, a development expected to shorten travel times and reduce transport-related carbon emissions.
The agreement, valued in the tens of millions of pounds and supported by UK Export Finance, strengthens British Steel’s position in global rail infrastructure supply chains. The company will deliver its 60E2 rail specification in 36-metre lengths throughout 2026, meeting technical requirements for high-speed operations. Officials noted that the project aligns with broader objectives to modernise transport networks and improve environmental performance through lower-carbon rail alternatives.
The contract has generated 23 new roles at British Steel and marks a strategic production shift as demand for large-scale rail infrastructure grows internationally. Manufacturing operations at the company’s facility now run continuously, reflecting heightened output requirements and confidence in long-term order pipelines.
The high-speed line is being delivered by ERG International Group on behalf of the Turkish government and will ultimately be operated by Turkish State Railways. Once completed, the network is expected to enhance connectivity between major economic centres while supporting environmental goals through reduced emissions and improved transport efficiency.
Industry leadership at British Steel emphasised the significance of the agreement for the UK’s manufacturing sector and export capabilities. The deal demonstrates continued demand for British engineering products in major international projects and underscores the strategic role of rail infrastructure in global decarbonisation efforts.
With production underway and delivery scheduled for 2026, the contract reinforces long-term collaboration between UK manufacturers and international infrastructure developers, highlighting the commercial and environmental value of modern rail systems.
