The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has approved plans for the construction of the M-12 (Sialkot-Kharian) and M-13 (Kharian-Rawalpindi) motorways as six-lane roads from the start, aiming to enhance connectivity and minimize future costs.
This decision, made in collaboration with the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), prioritizes cost-efficiency and strategic planning, Business Recorder reported on Monday.
Building these motorways with six lanes initially will save Rs11 billion in the long term. According to a traffic study, adding lanes by 2027 would cost an additional Rs20.7 billion, making the upfront construction of six lanes a more economical choice.
The NHA has been directed to submit a position paper and revised financing structure to the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives for further approvals. Moreover, the authority is preparing a revised project proposal for the M-13 motorway, with a deadline of April 30, 2025.
Progress on the M-6 (Sukkur-Hyderabad) motorway was also reviewed, with a revised project cost of Rs399 billion. Divided into five sections, the bidding process for its first phase will begin in October 2025. To ensure smooth implementation, financing options such as Public-Private Partnerships and international funding are being explored. Integration plans for linking the M-6 and M-10 motorways to Karachi Port were also emphasized during the meeting.
