Aleem Khan Meets Murad Ali Shah to Discuss Road Projects in Sindh
Karachi: Federal Communications Minister Aleem Khan held a meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in Karachi to assess the advancement of key road infrastructure projects throughout the province. The primary focus of the meeting was the much-delayed Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway (M-6), along with other key transport routes. Senior officials were present at the meeting, including the Communications Secretary and the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA).
Urgency of Karachi Port Connectivity
CM Murad Ali Shah emphasized that Pakistan’s motorway system would only be truly effective when Karachi Port is fully connected to the national network, including Lahore and Peshawar.
“A large portion of the network is already complete, but the M-6 is still pending,” he said.
Aleem Khan agreed, stating that linking Karachi Port is vital to completing the country’s transport backbone.
M-6 Project Segments and Funding Status
The federal minister shared that the M-6 Motorway project is divided into five parts. Financial arrangements have been finalized for three of them, and construction has already started on those sections. He noted that the federal government is working with banking partners to fund the remaining work.
Sindh Government Offers Financial Assistance
CM Shah expressed concern that implementing the M-6 through a public-private partnership could lead to unnecessary delays. To avoid this, he proposed that the Sindh government contribute bridge financing worth Rs 40 to 50 billion to help accelerate the project’s execution.
Jamshoro–Sehwan Road Completion
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of completing the Jamshoro to Sehwan road, a key highway in the province. He said that 66 kilometers have already been developed. Aleem Khan confirmed that the remaining construction is in progress.
New M-10 Motorway Proposal
Discussions also included a new plan for an M-10 Motorway that would begin at the ICI Bridge in Karachi and pass through Gulbai and Hub Chowki, eventually linking to Hyderabad. Officials agreed to prepare a feasibility plan, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving cargo movement from the port.
Lyari Expressway: Heavy Traffic Issues
NHA officials reported that a recent audit found the Lyari Expressway unsuitable for accommodating heavy traffic. CM Shah suggested that redesigning or upgrading the interchanges could resolve these limitations.
“The expressway was originally intended to move port traffic to the motorway network, but it falls short by ending at Sohrab Goth, where congestion is severe,” he noted.
