ECNEC Approves Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway and Major Road Projects for Sindh

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has officially approved the construction of the long-anticipated Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway (M-6), along with several other significant infrastructure projects across Sindh. The approval came during a key meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, as part of the government’s broader effort to boost regional connectivity and economic development.

The M-6 motorway, considered a vital link in the country’s North-South transport corridor, is the last missing section of the Karachi to Peshawar motorway network. Spanning 306 kilometers, the project will connect Hyderabad to Sukkur through key areas such as Nawabshah, Dadu, and Khairpur. Designed as a six-lane, access-controlled motorway, it will feature modern infrastructure including interchanges, bridges, and service areas. The project will be executed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement.

Originally estimated to cost around Rs 165 billion, the project's revised cost now stands at over Rs 308 billion due to inflation, land acquisition, and enhancements in design scope. Despite the steep increase, officials consider it a worthwhile investment given the strategic significance of the corridor, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

Government representatives highlighted the motorway’s potential to reduce travel time, improve logistics, and enhance trade efficiency between southern and northern Pakistan. The road is also expected to promote economic activity in interior Sindh by creating jobs and improving access to remote areas. With its completion, the M-6 will form a continuous high-speed route from Karachi to major cities in Punjab and onward to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, significantly easing pressure on existing highways.

In addition to the motorway, ECNEC approved several complementary road projects in Sindh. These include upgrades and dualization of key provincial roads, construction of bridges over major rivers, and enhanced infrastructure in flood-affected and rural districts. The aim is to support local mobility, ensure reliable access to markets and services, and strengthen the province’s overall transportation network.

While the approval marks a major milestone, concerns remain over financing. Initial allocations have been made, but a significant funding gap persists. The government has proposed forming a high-level financial committee to explore additional funding options through international lenders and private sector investment. Timely financial closure, land acquisition, and transparent execution will be crucial for meeting the targeted 30-month completion period.

The ECNEC meeting concluded with a directive to maintain strict oversight, ensure environmental compliance, and implement robust monitoring mechanisms throughout the project's execution. The Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway is expected to be a game-changer for Sindh’s infrastructure landscape, unlocking new opportunities for regional trade, economic growth, and integration under the CPEC framework.

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