Decision Made to Privatize Bosphorus Bridges and Highways for 30 Years
While it was decided to privatize two bridges on the Bosphorus and certain highways for 30 years, the decision faced backlash due to high profit margins.
The privatization of the 15 Temmuz Şehitler and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges on the Bosphorus, along with certain highways operated by the General Directorate of Highways, for 30 years has become official.
Privitization Decision Takes Effect
It was decided to privatize the 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge on the Bosphorus, as well as certain highways operated by the General Directorate of Highways, for 30 years. The decision entered into force on September 5.
Reaction Statement from Yavuzyılmaz
NEW Party Zonguldak Deputy Deniz Yavuzyılmaz responded sharply with figures to the government's privatization policy regarding the bridges, which was justified by claims of low profits and high expenses.
Deniz Yavuzyılmaz stated that they had dropped the government's privatization mask, noting that ministries had claimed low revenues, high expenses, and low efficiency as justifications for the privatizations.
Data for 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge
According to the 2025 data for the 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge, revenue was $87,642,000, expenses were $2,101,000, and the profit achieved was $85,540,000. With these figures, the profit margin of the bridge in question was 97 percent.
Data for Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
In the 2025 data for the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, revenue was recorded at $102,709,000, expenses at $4,076,000, and profit at $98,632,000. The profit margin of this bridge stood at the 96 percent level.
Annual Total Profit and Rates
According to the disclosed data, the annual total profit of the two Bosphorus bridges reached $184,173,000, while the average profit margin was calculated at 96.75 percent.
Details of the Official Gazette Decision
Published in the Official Gazette on Saturday, September 5, under the signature of the President, decision numbered 11750 stated that the duration of the privatization contract will be 30 years. The ownership of the assets will not be transferred, but methods such as granting operating rights will be utilized.
Other Highways Within the Scope
Many routes, such as the Niğde-Pozantı Highway, Gaziantep Ring Road, Bursa Ring Road, as well as the Edirne-Istanbul-Ankara Highway and İzmir-Çeşme Highway, were among the assets included in the privatization scope.