NHA, ADB sign agreement for construction of M6 Motorway

The National Highway Authority and the Asian Development Bank have signed an agreement for the construction of two sections of the M6 Motorway, a major infrastructure project linking Karachi to Sukkur.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the development, describing it as a strategic milestone in advancing Pakistan’s transport infrastructure.

He noted that construction of the motorway is set to begin in May under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, calling the project a vital gateway to economic growth.

The minister said the M6 Motorway represents a long-awaited breakthrough, adding that the project had remained stalled for over three decades before recent progress.

Describing it as the “missing economic link” in Pakistan’s North-South corridor, Aleem Khan said the motorway would serve as a backbone for trade and logistics, enabling seamless connectivity from Karachi Port to northern regions, including Peshawar and Gilgit.

Providing further details, he said the 306-kilometre, six-lane motorway would include modern tolling and safety systems, along with 15 interchanges and 10 service areas to support commuters and commercial transport.

He added that key sections from Hyderabad to Nawabshah would be developed under the PPP model to ensure transparency and attract private investment.

The minister also said that the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund have approved financing for other sections of the motorway.

He expressed optimism that the entire M6 project would be completed within two years, highlighting its importance in enhancing regional trade connectivity and unlocking new investment opportunities for Pakistan.