The Executive Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has greenlit the construction of the M-12 (Sialkot-Kharian) and M-13 (Kharian-Rawalpindi) motorways as six-lane roads from the outset.
The approval follows consultations with key stakeholders, including the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO).
Six-Lane Design for Future-Proofing
Rather than expanding the motorways in the future, which would incur higher costs, the committee decided to build the motorways with six lanes initially.
This strategic decision will result in savings of approximately Rs 11 billion, as traffic studies suggested that adding two extra lanes by 2027 would require an additional expenditure of Rs 20.7 billion.
The early construction of six lanes will thus reduce the overall cost of the project in the long run.
Next Steps for Approval and Execution
As part of the decision, the NHA has been tasked with submitting a position paper and a revised financing structure to the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives for further approval.
Furthermore, the NHA must submit a revised project proposal for the Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway (M-13) by April 30, 2025.
Progress of M-6 Motorway
The committee also reviewed the progress of the M-6 (Sukkur-Hyderabad) motorway. The NHA presented a revised project cost of Rs 399 billion. This project will be completed in five phases, with the first phase expected to begin its bidding process in October 2025.
Financing Options and Planning
NHA is exploring various financing options for the motorway projects, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements, and potential funding from international financial institutions.
The committee emphasized the need for integrated planning, particularly in linking the M-6 and M-10 motorways, to enhance logistical movement and improve connectivity with Karachi Port.
With clear timelines set for contract awards and project progression, the SIFC aims to ensure smooth implementation of these critical infrastructure developments, which are vital for improving transportation networks in the region.
They already eat 2 lines from Lahor to sialkot, u only can think, how much they make
The deadly Karachi-Quetta road has claimed too many lives to more than terrorism. Federation must stop neglecting Balochistan ignoring the crisis will lead to dire consequences. This isn’t just about minerals, it’s about the people suffering daily in the provence
What is the role of SIFC in building the motorways. Please someone let me.
Main economy hub of Pakistan is Karachi. Karachi is just like a Mohenjo-Daro. Not a single road. Sindh govt policy is based on LUTTO AND PHUTTO. Brainless developing villages. What a country?