Work on Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway (M-6) Project to Begin in Q1 2026 – Finances Secured for Three Sections
Pakistan is preparing to resume construction on one of its most anticipated infrastructure projects — the Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway (M-6) — as financial arrangements for three sections have been finalized, while talks with international lenders for the remaining two are nearing completion.
According to officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA), physical work on the project will start in the first quarter of 2026, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s highway expansion plan under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
M-6 Motorway – The Missing Link in Pakistan’s North–South Corridor
The Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) is the only missing link in Pakistan’s north–south motorway network that connects Peshawar to Karachi through a continuous, high-speed corridor.
Stretching over 306 kilometers, the six-lane controlled-access motorway will complete the final segment of the Karachi–Peshawar Motorway (KPM), significantly reducing travel time between Sindh’s major cities.
The M-6 will link Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Moro, Sukkur, and other key districts, boosting regional trade, logistics, and industrial connectivity.
Funding Arranged for Three Sections of M-6
During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, NHA officials confirmed that funding for three of the five sections of the Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway project has been secured.
Finances have been arranged through a blend of domestic and international partners, with remaining negotiations under way with:
- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)
- The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
The government expects full financial closure by early 2026, allowing construction to commence immediately afterward.
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NHA and Senate Committee Stress Timely Implementation
The Senate Standing Committee, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, appreciated the milestones achieved but urged NHA and related departments to accelerate project execution and remove procedural hurdles.
The committee emphasized that prolonged delays in project delivery increase costs and hinder economic growth, calling for streamlined approval processes between the NHA, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A).
Revised PC-1 Approved and Negotiations Underway
Officials confirmed that the revised PC-1 (Project Concept-1) for the Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway has been approved by relevant authorities.
Negotiations are now in advanced stages with foreign lenders for the remaining financial requirements. Once finalized, Pakistan will have achieved full financing for the entire 306-km stretch — a significant step forward after years of uncertainty surrounding the M-6 project.
Key Features of Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 306 kilometers |
| Lanes | 6 (3 on each side) |
| Estimated Cost | Rs. 307 billion (approx.) |
| Construction Period | 30 months |
| Type of Project | Public-Private Partnership (PPP) |
| Connected Cities | Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Moro, Sukkur |
| Expected Start Date | Q1 2026 |
| Expected Completion | 2028 |
The M-6 Motorway will include 15 interchanges, 19 bridges, 82 culverts, 6 service areas, and 10 flyovers, ensuring modern infrastructure and road safety standards.
Committee Reviews Fund Utilization Under PSDP 2025-26
During the same meeting, the committee also reviewed the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26, focusing on fund allocation and utilization across national projects.
Officials revealed that although around Rs. 330 billion had been authorized for various projects by the second quarter, actual expenditures remained low.
This underutilization of allocated funds, the committee warned, could delay key development projects, including the M-6 Motorway.
Concerns Over Low Expenditure and Delayed Projects
Senators expressed serious concern that several ministries were not utilizing funds on time, resulting in unspent allocations piling up near the end of the financial year.
The committee directed the Planning and Finance Divisions to ensure all departments accelerate fund utilization and report monthly progress to prevent project slowdowns.
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Provincial Autonomy and Transfer of Schemes
Reaffirming its earlier recommendations, the committee reiterated that schemes of the defunct Pak-PWD under the Ministries of Housing & Works and Finance Division from Sindh Province should be transferred to respective provincial governments.
This, members said, would align with Pakistan’s principles of provincial autonomy under the 18th Amendment and improve local project oversight.
Support for National Sports and Youth Development Projects
In addition to infrastructure updates, the committee expressed unanimous support for establishing the Arshad Nadeem / Shehbaz Sharif High-Performance Sports Academy at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
Senator Quratulain Marri praised the initiative, calling Arshad Nadeem a national icon and source of pride, and said that investment in sports infrastructure would inspire Pakistan’s youth.
However, some proposed cultural projects — including the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Complex (Narowal) and Allama Iqbal Culture & Research Centre (Sialkot) — were not endorsed due to duplication of existing institutions.
Higher Education Projects and Provincial Balance
The committee directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to ensure equitable provincial distribution of new university projects.
It was revealed that out of 11 new HEC projects initiated in FY26, none were in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balochistan, while 7 were in Punjab and 2 in Sindh.
The committee termed this imbalance “unacceptable” and urged HEC to maintain national inclusion in higher education funding.
Why the Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway (M-6) Matters
The M-6 is not just another road — it’s a strategic national project with wide-ranging benefits:
- Economic Integration: Links major industrial and trade hubs of Sindh.
- Reduced Travel Time: Cuts the journey between Sukkur and Karachi from 6 hours to around 3.5 hours.
- Safety Improvement: Provides a modern, controlled-access route, reducing road accidents.
- Regional Development: Boosts local businesses, agriculture, and real estate near interchanges.
- Job Creation: Generates thousands of construction and operational jobs.
Once completed, the M-6 will become a vital artery for freight movement between Gwadar Port, Karachi, and northern Pakistan.
Government’s Commitment to Infrastructure Growth
Pakistan’s government views infrastructure as a key driver of economic recovery. The M-6 project complements ongoing initiatives like:
- ML-1 Railway Upgrade under CPEC
- High-Speed Rail MoU between Lahore and Rawalpindi
- Mass Transit Projects in Gujranwala and Multan
- Green Agri Cooperative Program
These projects collectively aim to modernize Pakistan’s logistics network and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) through better connectivity.
Expert Opinions on M-6 Financing
Economic experts praised the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the M-6, calling it a sustainable alternative to government-only financing.
Infrastructure analysts note that by involving international development banks and the private sector, Pakistan can mitigate fiscal pressures while ensuring timely project delivery.
However, experts caution that transparent tendering and strict project monitoring are essential to maintain investor confidence.
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Impact on Local Communities
The motorway will directly benefit local communities along its route by improving market access, agricultural logistics, and rural employment.
Local governments in Nawabshah, Matiari, and Khairpur have welcomed the project, saying it will revitalize trade and tourism in interior Sindh.
Trending FAQs About Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway (M-6) 2025-26
1. When will work on the Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway begin?
Construction on the M-6 Motorway is expected to begin in Q1 2026, after financial closure for all five sections is completed.
2. How long is the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6)?
The total length is 306 kilometers, connecting Sukkur, Nawabshah, Moro, and Hyderabad via a six-lane controlled-access highway.
3. Who is financing the M-6 Motorway project?
Funding has been arranged from domestic sources and development partners like the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
4. What benefits will the M-6 Motorway bring to Pakistan’s economy?
It will reduce travel time, enhance trade efficiency, and create employment opportunities, becoming a key link in Pakistan’s north-south trade corridor.
5. What other infrastructure projects are linked to the M-6 development?
The motorway complements national projects like the ML-1 Railway, Lahore–Rawalpindi High-Speed Rail, and Green Punjab Transport Initiative.
