New steps taken in the privatization of bridges and highways in Istanbul: Free passage may come to an end

It has been learned that preparatory work has begun for the transfer of operating rights for two of Istanbul's bridges and seven highways to the private sector. It is noted that with this development, the practice of free passage during holidays may come to an end.

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New steps taken in the privatization of bridges and highways in Istanbul: Free passage may come to an end

While free passage continues on highways belonging to the General Directorate of Highways and the 15 July Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges in Istanbul during the Ramadan Feast, the removal of this practice in the near future has come to the agenda. While these routes will be free during the holiday, toll passages will continue on the Yavuz Sultan Selim and 1915 Çanakkale bridges, which are operated under the build-operate-transfer model, as well as the highways connected to these bridges.

ACTIVITY IN THE PRIVATIZATION PROCESS

According to new efforts carried out by the government, preparations have been initiated for the transfer of operating rights for bridges and highways under the management of the General Directorate of Highways to private companies.

According to a report by Cumhuriyet, it was stated that with this item, which is also included in the 2026 budget, processes regarding the privatization tenders for the assets in question are ongoing.

It was noted that the UK-based international consulting firm Ernst & Young LLP has been appointed as a consultant regarding the matter. Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, in his response submitted to Parliament, noted that "no new decision has been taken; routine work regarding assets in the privatization program is continuing."

FREE PASSAGE MAY COME TO AN END

The free passage practice within the scope of the Ramadan Feast will end at 24:00 on Sunday, March 22, by presidential decree. During the same dates, free transportation will also be provided on Marmaray, Başkentray, İZBAN, and certain metro and municipal public transport lines. However, it is pointed out that if the privatization plan is implemented, this convenience will come to an end.

Deniz Yavuzyılmaz from the Republican People's Party (CHP), in his assessment, emphasized that citizens might no longer be able to benefit from free passage during their travels in holiday periods in the upcoming process, stating that "these may be the last free holidays."

News Source: 12punto