NA panel told Rs30 billion allocated for Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications was informed that Rs30 billion has been allocated for the Sukkur-Hyderabad (M-6) motorway in the current financial year against a total demand of Rs70 billion.

The committee was told that the M-6 project has five sections: Hyderabad-Tando Adam, Tando Adam-Nawabshah, Nawabshah-Naushahro Feroze, Naushahro Feroze-Ranipur and Ranipur-Sukkur.

Officials said sections I and II would be executed under the Public-Private Partnership model, sections IV and V through Islamic Development Bank financing, and Section III through OPEC Fund financing.

The Ministry of Communications secretary briefed the committee on the progress and expected start schedule of each section.

The committee also sought a detailed report on Public Sector Development Programme schemes and formed a sub-committee to examine project implementation, financial management and the toll plaza contracting process.

It was informed that out of the total PSDP outlay of Rs3.7 trillion, around Rs2.6 trillion related to throw-forward schemes.

Officials said around Rs60 billion allocated to the National Highways Authority had been reduced in the federal budget due to austerity measures and emerging security requirements.

The committee was told that 71 ongoing projects fall in the throw-forward category. It sought province-wise details and expected completion timelines for these schemes.

The committee also asked for an update on the Keti Bandar Road project and its expected completion date.

A member from Balochistan raised concern over delays in the 320-kilometre Quetta-Zhob road project, saying the route still had several diversions despite nearly two decades of work.

The member also called for priority completion of the 13-kilometre Fort Munro-Loralai section due to its inter-provincial traffic load.

The NHA chairman assured the committee that the section would be completed during the current year through maintenance funds.

Members also raised concerns over delays in the Lasbela-Awaran Road project and the non-utilisation of Rs5 billion allocated for the Kharan-Basima Road.

On the New Baran Bridge project, the secretary said the feasibility study had been completed and the project had been taken up as a new scheme for Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank financing.

A member from Sindh criticised the limited field presence of the NHA and said stronger on-site supervision was needed for timely execution.

The committee also discussed the incomplete Shahdadkot Bypass and directed the General Manager, NHA Sukkur, to attend the next meeting.

Members questioned continued toll collection at Rajanpur Toll Plaza despite the road not being fully completed and also asked why all toll plazas in Sindh had been awarded to a single contractor.

The committee reviewed facilities for commuters on motorways and national highways and directed the NHA to ensure that all toll plaza lanes remain operational.

It also directed strict action against contractors violating prescribed Standard Operating Procedures.