Turkey's Transport Infrastructure Requires a Total Investment of Over $116.42 Billion by 2035, According to a Report
Turkey is embarking on a massive infrastructure overhaul, with a focus on modernizing transport networks, enhancing disaster resilience, expanding renewable energy and technology capabilities, and integrating climate goals into development. This ambitious plan, worth billions of dollars, aims to stimulate economic growth and competitiveness while addressing vulnerabilities such as earthquake and urban infrastructure pressures.
The heart of this investment plan is the transport sector, which requires over €100 billion ($116.42 billion) in investments by 2035. This includes approximately €72 billion for road infrastructure, €11 billion for ports, and €10 billion for rail systems. The investments are aimed at alleviating logistic bottlenecks, supporting urban mobility in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, and enhancing industrial capacity.
One of the key projects in this regard is the Dörtyol-Hassa Highway and Railway Project in the southeast region, severely affected by the 2023 earthquakes. Turkey has secured €1.55 billion ($1.8 billion) in foreign financing for this project, which will connect the Gulf of Iskenderun to industrial areas and Gaziantep by road and rail, strengthening transport infrastructure, boosting trade, tourism, and exports, and improving earthquake resilience.
Beyond transport and related sectors, Turkey is also expected to undertake substantial upgrades in its energy infrastructure. The government aims to unlock $30 billion in investments by 2030 in green energy (solar, wind), electric vehicles, semiconductors, and digital technologies through programs like HIT-30. This investment will enhance industrial competitiveness, meet climate goals, and reduce the foreign trade deficit.
The World Bank has also approved a $650 million loan to support Istanbul's resilience project, which improves disaster and climate hazard preparedness of critical public buildings and infrastructure. This aligns with Turkey’s national development and climate adaptation plans.
Turkey's strategic location makes it a central player in regional infrastructure initiatives such as the Middle Corridor-a transcontinental trade route connecting China to Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The country aims to attract over $40 billion in external financing over the next three years through cooperation with global lenders like the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
In addition to these investments, Turkey plans to invest $23.9 billion in the Development Road Project to help establish a new highway and railway network linking Iraq's Grand Faw Port to its own southern border. The government has allocated a ₺482 billion ($11.85 billion) budget for 2025.
Infrastructure shortcomings, especially in regions with high population growth, may undermine economic expansion, digital inclusion, and efforts to reach climate targets. However, with its comprehensive infrastructure investment plan, Turkey is taking significant steps towards addressing these challenges and securing a sustainable and competitive future.
- The government of Turkey is focusing on improving transport networks, particularly in cities like Istanbul and Ankara, as part of its ambitious infrastructure overhaul plan, worth billions of dollars.
- The Dörtyol-Hassa Highway and Railway Project, an integral part of this plan, is expected to receive €1.55 billion ($1.8 billion) in foreign financing, connecting the Gulf of Iskenderun to industrial areas and Gaziantep by road and rail.
- Beyond transportation, Turkey anticipates substantial upgrades in its energy sector, aiming to unlock $30 billion in investments by 2030 in green energy, electric vehicles, and digital technologies.
- In an effort to boost competitiveness and address vulnerabilities, Turkey is also seeking over $40 billion in external financing through cooperation with global lenders for regional infrastructure initiatives and other large-scale projects, such as the Development Road Project linking Iraq's Grand Faw Port to Turkey's southern border.
