Ex- Post Evaluation of IPA I Component III - Transport Operational Programme

Objectives of the evaluation Systematic and timely evaluation of its programmes and activities is an established priority of the European Commission. The focus of evaluations is on the assessment of achievements, the quality and the results of Actions in the context of an evolving cooperation policy with an increasing emphasis on result-oriented approaches and the contribution towards the implementation of the SDGs. From this perspective, evaluations should look for evidence of why, whether or how these results are linked to the EU intervention and seek to identify the factors driving or hindering progress. The main objectives of this evaluation are to provide the relevant services of the European Union, the interested stakeholders and the wider public with: an overall independent assessment of the past performance of the Evaluation of the Infrastructure Investment actions, paying particular attention to its results measured against its expected objectives; efficiency of modalities of contracting chosen; role of local-self governments and/or central level Government in implementation of the projects and the reasons underpinning such results; key lessons learned, conclusions and related recommendations in order to improve current and future Actions. IPA I Component III - Transport Operational Programme (TOP) - Priority 1: Improvement of Railway Infrastructure. Major Projects implemented under the priority: Ankara-Istanbul High Speed Line Project / Köseköy-Gebze section. Construction of high-speed railway between Istanbul and Ankara aimed to provide a time-efficient, comfortable and safe transportation opportunity. The project will improve travelling time between Ankara and Istanbul. The EU financing was utilised for 56 km segment between Köseköy and Gebze stations (EU contribution EUR 136 million). Rehabilitation and Signalisation of Irmak - Karabük - Zonguldak Railway Line: Rehabilitation works - on the existing railway line connecting BlackSea region to Anatolia to speed up the existing freight train services and travelling time, eliminate the restrictions and bottlenecks and to re-establish the technical and operating condition necessary for a safe railway operation (EU contribution EUR 188 million). The Interventions to be evaluated (Action title); Technical Assistance for Strengthening the Capacities of MoT/IPA Unit and End Recipients Establishment of a "Transport Information Management System" for the TEN-T in Turkey National Transport Master Plan for the Republic of Turkey Technical Assistance for the Operating Structure to Prepare and Strengthen Programming for the Period 2014-2020 TA for strengthening the capacity of the MoTMC EUID & End-Recipients II Technical Assistance for Information and Publicity Activities - II Technical Assistance for Strengthening Operational Capacity through Training and In- house Consultancy to Support Procurement and Implementation of TOP Projects