ISLAMABAD: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved a $475 million financing package for the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway project, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s transport infrastructure and enhance connectivity on a crucial north-south corridor, according to a news report.
The approval was granted by the IsDB’s Board of Executive Directors.
The 306km M-6 motorway will bridge a critical gap in the route linking Karachi to Peshawar, with the project costing an estimated $1.7 billion. Designed to feature six lanes capable of supporting speeds of up to 120 km/h, the motorway will include 89 bridges, 15 interchanges, and 243 underpasses.
This project is part of the larger Eastern Alignment of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Physical construction of the M-6 is set to begin in April 2026, with the Sindh government already initiating land acquisition processes. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has instructed officials to expedite the transfer of both state and private land required for the project. Delays in the past have been attributed to litigation issues.
Additionally, the M-10 motorway (Karachi Northern Bypass) is being upgraded and extended to connect directly with the M-6 at Jamshoro, creating a high-capacity route for both commercial and passenger traffic from Karachi Port.
The M-6 project has faced delays and challenges related to financing. The estimated cost has grown from $617 million in 2018 to $1.1 billion in 2022, and currently stands at $1.7 billion. The government has prioritized the project for fiscal year 2025-26 and is in discussions with financial institutions, including IsDB, the Saudi Fund for Development, and the Asian Development Bank, to secure additional funding.
