Türkiye's longest railway bridge marks 40 years
The Euphrates Railway Bridge, spanning the waters of Karakaya Dam Lake between the eastern provinces of Malatya and Elazığ, has carried passenger and freight trains for four decades, serving as a crucial rail connection between eastern and southeastern Türkiye and the country’s central and western regions.
Constructed by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD), the bridge stretches 2,030 meters in length and 5 meters in width, making it the longest railway bridge in Türkiye.
Construction began in 1981 at the narrowest point of the Karakaya Dam reservoir and was completed after nearly five years. The bridge officially entered service on June 16, 1986, at a ceremony attended by then-Prime Minister Turgut Özal.
Located between Fırat Train Station in Malatya’s Battalgazi district and Kuşsarayı Train Station in Elazığ’s Baskil district, the bridge ensures uninterrupted rail transport for both passengers and freight. Around 700 trains cross the structure each month, including the Güney Kurtalan Express and the Van Lake Express.
