M-10 Motorway Project Study Nears Completion, Signaling Progress Toward Enhanced Infrastructure Development

The feasibility study for the M-10 Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway is nearing completion and is expected to be finalized by December, according to updates shared during a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. The committee, chaired by MNA Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, was briefed by officials who revealed that the proposed motorway project would cost more than Rs68 billion and is being considered a long-term solution to ease traffic congestion in Karachi.

During the meeting, officials also provided updates on other key infrastructure developments. The technical feasibility of the Lyari Expressway is currently in progress, while procurement processes for the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway have already begun. Construction work on that project is anticipated to start by June of next year. Representatives from the National Highway Authority (NHA) clarified that any infrastructure project can only be added to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) through approval in the federal budget. The formal budgeting process is expected to commence in March.

The committee requested clarification from NHA regarding the inclusion of the Lyari Elevated Freight Corridor (LEFC) in the PSDP. In response, NHA officials explained that funding for the LEFC project is being arranged through another institution with the support of the Korean Exim Bank. Additionally, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) is currently working on a similar initiative. Officials stated that after determining the feasibility of the project, their focus was redirected to the Northern Bypass.

Chairman Mirza Ikhtiar Baig assured the committee that he would raise the matter of the LEFC project with KPT and share the findings in the next session. He also pointed out the complexities surrounding land acquisition for the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, which involves coordination with provincial governments. A separate note regarding this issue will be added by the committee for further consideration.

In other developments, the committee was informed that repair work on the Mirpurkhas-Umerkot road has been completed. Additionally, approval has been granted for the Ranipur-Umerkot road project. A committee member requested information about the expected start date for this newly approved road initiative.

These infrastructure updates are part of a broader push to improve regional connectivity and address critical transport challenges in Sindh and surrounding areas.