M-10 Motorway: Karachi-Hyderabad Link Progresses

Pakistan's government is advancing plans for the M-10 motorway, a new direct link between Karachi and Hyderabad, with an estimated investment exceeding US$400 million. The project aims to improve port connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion.

The M-10 Motorway Project Overview

The Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Communications, Gul Asghar Khan, informed the National Assembly that the government is developing the M-10 motorway to establish a direct connection between Karachi and Hyderabad. This new route is intended to complement the existing M-9, which will continue to serve the Karachi–Hyderabad corridor.

Feasibility studies for the M-10 project have been completed. The motorway has been divided into five sections, each approximately 50 kilometres in length, to facilitate investment and development.

Investment and Financing Strategy

The M-10 motorway project requires an investment exceeding US$400 million, according to the parliamentary update. To secure this funding, all five sections of the motorway were offered internationally for investment.

So far, three sections have successfully attracted investment through various financing arrangements, including support from the Islamic Development Bank. Additionally, the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has expressed interest in two of the sections. Procurement processes for some sections are reportedly nearing completion.

Government's Completion Target and Project Significance

The government anticipates that all five sections of the M-10 motorway will be completed by 2028. This project is designed to create a direct motorway link between Karachi and Hyderabad, bypassing the current route.

Earlier government statements have highlighted the importance of the M-10 for enhancing port connectivity and reducing the significant heavy-traffic congestion experienced around Karachi. The new motorway is expected to improve logistics and ease the flow of goods and traffic between these key cities.