The federal government has allocated PKR 30 billion in the current fiscal year for the long-awaited Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) project and unveiled a new execution strategy aimed at accelerating its construction.
The update was shared during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications, chaired by Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, where officials briefed lawmakers on the latest progress of the project.
M-6 to Be Constructed in Five Sections
According to officials, the motorway will be developed in five separate sections:
- Hyderabad – Tando Adam
- Tando Adam – Nawabshah
- Nawabshah – Naushahro Feroze
- Naushahro Feroze – Ranipur
- Ranipur – Sukkur
The committee was informed that the project requires PKR 70 billion during the current financial year, while PKR 30 billion has been allocated so far. Construction is expected to commence during the ongoing fiscal year after facing delays of more than five years.
Multiple Financing Models Approved
Under the revised implementation plan, different financing arrangements have been finalized for each section of the motorway.
The Hyderabad–Tando Adam and Tando Adam–Nawabshah sections will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Meanwhile:
- Naushahro Feroze–Ranipur and Ranipur–Sukkur will be financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
- Nawabshah–Naushahro Feroze will receive funding from the OPEC Fund.
Committee Reviews PSDP Projects
The committee also reviewed the status of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects.
Officials informed members that approximately PKR 2.6 trillion of the total PKR 3.7 trillion PSDP portfolio consists of throw-forward projects requiring continued funding.
They further stated that the National Highway Authority (NHA) experienced a reduction of nearly PKR 60 billion in its federal budget allocation due to government austerity measures and increasing security-related expenditures.
Ministry Directed to Submit Maintenance Report
Expressing concern over reduced spending on road maintenance in recent years, the committee directed the Ministry of Communications to submit a detailed report on the utilization of maintenance funds, particularly for road infrastructure in Sindh.
The committee also sought updated progress reports on several delayed infrastructure schemes, including the Quetta–Zhob Road, Keti Bandar Road, and Shahdadkot Bypass projects.
