20.10.2026 11:05
The privatization of the July 15 Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges, which are under the control of the General Directorate of Highways, along with the highways and peripheral highways, by dividing them into parts and offering them in packages of three or four, has come onto the agenda. High-traffic and low-traffic highways will be included in the same package. Interest from domestic and foreign investors in the bridge and highway privatization continues. Among foreign investors, the French stand out for the bridges and highways.
In Ankara, work on the privatization of bridges and highways is ongoing. In accordance with the President's decision, the privatization process of the bridges and highways operated by the General Directorate of Highways will be completed by December 31, 2031. Bridges, highways, and peripheral and connection roads will be privatized for 30 years.
These assets will be privatized either as a whole or in parts, separately or in combination, by applying one or several of the following methods: transfer of operating rights, leasing, establishment of rights in rem other than ownership, the revenue-sharing model, and other methods appropriate to the nature of the work. Ownership will not be transferred.
THREE- OR FOUR-PART PACKAGE
The July 15 Martyrs' and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges, along with the highway and peripheral highways, are expected to be privatized by being divided into parts under the options included in the President's decision. Within this scope, the bridges and highways will be divided into three- or four-part packages.
Sources following the privatization process, in response to ANKA News Agency's question, said, "Let's say a package includes two highways with high traffic. Low-traffic highways will also be included in this package. Thus, the operation of all the bridges and highways can be transferred to the private sector for a certain fee."
Sources stated that the final decision on the method to be followed in the privatization has not yet been made.
FRENCH INVESTORS STAND OUT
Sources noted that domestic and foreign investor interest in the bridge and highway privatization continues, and said, "Among foreign investors, the French stand out for the bridges and highways. Officials of some companies from France expressed this interest during their meetings in Ankara."
Sources said that companies that build and operate bridges and highways in Türkiye under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model are also closely interested in this privatization.