CHP Lawmaker Alleges New Highway Privatization Plan: “This Is Theft”

CHP lawmaker Deniz Yavuzyılmaz has claimed that the Turkish government is preparing a new wave of highway privatizations, including major ring roads currently operated free of charge. The government, meanwhile, signals a shift toward concession-based operating rights to generate revenue.

Allegations of 25-Year Privatization Plan

Deniz Yavuzyılmaz stated that authorities are planning to privatize several major ring roads currently operated by the General Directorate of Highways.

According to his claims, the plan covers five key ring roads:

• Ankara Ring Road (120 km)
• Istanbul Second Ring Road (38 km)
• Izmir Ring Road (51 km)
• Bursa Ring Road (34 km)
• Gaziantep Ring Road (32 km)

Including connection routes, the total length reaches approximately 275 kilometers.

Yavuzyılmaz noted that these roads handled more than 836 million vehicle crossings in 2025.

Revenue Projections and Criticism

The CHP lawmaker argued that if these roads are operated under a build-operate-transfer-style pricing model, private operators could generate at least TRY 21.6 billion annually in toll revenues.

Over a 25-year concession period, total revenues could reach approximately TRY 542 billion (around $12 billion at current exchange rates).

He criticized the plan, stating that infrastructure already financed by taxpayers would effectively be monetized again, describing the move as “exploiting citizens.”

Government Strategy: Concession Model, Not Sale

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu previously said the assets would not be sold outright. Instead, the government intends to tender long-term operating rights.

Under this model, ownership remains with the state while private firms operate the assets for a fixed period, generating upfront revenue for the government.

“Crown Jewels”: Bosphorus Bridges

The privatization package is expected to include some of Türkiye’s most valuable infrastructure assets, particularly Istanbul’s Bosphorus bridges:

• 15 July Martyrs Bridge
• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge

These crossings handle around 430,000 vehicles daily, offering stable and significant cash flow potential.

In addition, approximately 2,300 kilometers of state-operated highways are reportedly under consideration.

Investor Outreach in Europe

According to reports, Turkish officials have begun engaging potential investors in Europe. Meetings have reportedly been held with Portuguese infrastructure operator Brisa, one of the region’s largest toll-road companies.

Officials from the Privatization Administration and advisory firm EY are said to be involved, though no formal confirmation has been issued.

Echoes of a Failed 2013 Tender

Türkiye attempted a similar privatization effort in 2013, offering a 25-year concession for highways and bridges. However, the $5.7 billion bid submitted by consortia was rejected by then-prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as too low.

Renewed Debate Over Public Assets

The latest developments have reignited debate over the privatization of public infrastructure.

Supporters argue that concession models can help ease fiscal pressures and attract foreign investment. Critics, however, warn that transferring operating rights of critical infrastructure may increase long-term costs for citizens and reduce public control over essential services.