The multi-billion Rupee Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) project, scheduled to commence in the current fiscal year, has been divided into five sections. This was revealed during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications held by its chairman, Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani.
During the committee’s review of the M-6 project progress, it was informed that the project consists of five sections: Hyderabad–Tando Adam, Tando Adam–Nawabshah, Nawabshah–Naushahro Feroze, Naushahro Feroze–Ranipur, and Ranipur–Sukkur. The project has already faced delays exceeding five years due to various factors.
Rs30 billion was allocated for the current financial year towards the total requirement of Rs70 billion for the M-6 project. It was disclosed that Sections I and II would be executed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, Sections IV and V via financing from the Islamic Development Bank, and Section III with funding from the OPEC Fund.
Additionally, the Ministry of Communications provided an update on the expected start schedules for each section and their progress. The committee also discussed previous recommendations regarding Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) schemes. It was revealed that approximately Rs2.6 trillion out of the total PSDP budget of Rs3.7 trillion is allocated to throw-forward schemes.
The committee was informed that around Rs60 billion allocated to the National Highway Authority (NHA) had been reduced in the federal budget due to austerity measures and emerging security requirements. Moreover, 71 ongoing projects fall under the category of throw-forward schemes. The committee sought a comprehensive status report on these projects, including their province-wise distribution and expected completion timelines.
The chairman of the committee observed that expenditures on road maintenance had been significantly restricted over the past two years. He directed the Ministry to submit a detailed report on the utilization of maintenance funds, particularly in Sindh. A lawmaker from Balochistan also raised concerns regarding the progress of ongoing projects.
Source: Original report
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