Sukkur-Hyderabad M-6 motorway project split into five sections, NA body informed

Pakistan's ambitious Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) project, a significant infrastructure undertaking, has been segmented into five distinct sections. Construction is slated to commence within the current fiscal year, according to information presented to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications.

The committee was briefed on the project's structure, which includes the Hyderabad–Tando Adam, Tando Adam–Nawabshah, Nawabshah–Naushahro Feroze, Naushahro Feroze–Ranipur, and Ranipur–Sukkur segments. The project has experienced considerable delays, exceeding five years, due to various challenges. For the current financial year, Rs30 billion has been allocated, falling short of the total estimated requirement of Rs70 billion.

Financing strategies vary across the sections. Sections I and II will be developed under a public-private partnership model. Sections IV and V will secure funding from the Islamic Development Bank, while Section III will be financed by the OPEC Fund. The Ministry of Communications provided an update on the anticipated commencement schedules and progress for each segment.

During the meeting, concerns were also raised regarding other road projects. Lawmakers highlighted delays in the Lasbela–Awaran road project and unutilized funds for the Kharan–Basima road. The committee expressed serious concern over the prolonged delays affecting the Quetta–Zhob road project, attributed to numerous diversions along its route. Additionally, the committee sought updates on the slow progress of the Keti Bandar Road project and the New Baran Bridge project, for which a feasibility study has been completed.