TSI obligation for rolling stock in Turkey is under discussion.

Technical specifications for interoperability (TSI) which was prepared and taken into force by European Railway Agency (ERA) had been a must for all rolling stock in Turkey since last year and this is being discussed nowadays.

ERA’s new specifications had come into force since 1st of January 2014 in all EU countries for all brand new freight wagons. TSI determines the standards for freight wagons, parts and production process. The wagons produced according to TSI spects have TEN signs on them and can proceed in international routes without any problem.

TSI had come into force also in Turkey with the new legislation about rolling stock, which was published during liberalization.

The main subject under discussion about TSI is the high cost of “NoBo”s, the authorized auditors for TSI. Yet, there’s no NoBo in Turkey.

Since the freight wagon market is narrow, NoBo cost is higher in total cost. This makes production of new wagon harder before getting a big order.

TSI is under discussion also in UK, since the international rail traffic is limited with a few trains crossing Tunnel Channel.

On the other side, TSI brings a big advantage for Turkish manufacturers. TSI is a must to be able to export wagon to Europe. If this obligation is withdrawn, Turkish manufacturers may move away from European market.

Withdrawal of TSI obligation may cause another problem. If freight wagons without TSI becomes widespread, it would be harder supply wagons for rail transports to Europe. To be able to use wagons without TSI, permission must be taken from railway authority of each country on the way seperately which costs time and money.

Cover Photo: Onur Uysal ©