The National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have entered into a significant agreement for the construction of two sections of the M6 Motorway, a major infrastructure project that will connect Karachi to Sukkur. This landmark deal, announced by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, marks the beginning of a much-anticipated phase in Pakistan’s transportation network. The M6 Motorway has been referred to as the “missing link” in the North-South corridor.
Minister Khan expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating that it represents a vital step toward Pakistan’s long-term economic development. The construction of the motorway, which had been delayed for more than 30 years, will now commence in May under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This model is designed to ensure full transparency and attract private sector investment, which is crucial for the project’s success.
The M6 will span 306 kilometers, featuring six lanes, modern tolling, and safety systems. With 15 interchanges and 10 state-of-the-art service areas, the motorway will greatly enhance travel and logistics in Pakistan. Khan emphasized the project’s role in facilitating the seamless movement of traffic from Karachi Port to Peshawar and Gilgit, providing a continuous motorway route for improved trade and transport.
Two crucial sections from Hyderabad to Nawabshah will be developed first, while Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the OPEC Fund have already provided financing for three additional sections. The entire M6 project is expected to be completed within two years, with Pakistan’s transport network set to be revolutionized by this infrastructure development. The completion of the M6 will pave the way for better regional trade connectivity and open up new investment opportunities.
