Islamabad – The National Highway Authority (NHA) has announced an ambitious upgrade of the Karachi Northern Bypass as part of the larger M-10 Motorway initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity.
In a recent session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications—chaired by MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani—NHA Chairman Muhammad Shehryar Sultan revealed that the 34-kilometre stretch of the Northern Bypass, running from ICI Bridge to Hamdard University Chowk (Madinat al-Hikmah), will be transformed into an eight-lane motorway. This development is intended to handle the increasing traffic load between Karachi Port and upcountry dry ports.
The project is part of a broader plan to link the upgraded bypass with a proposed 134-kilometre, six-lane M-10 Motorway. This new route will pass through the Khirthar mountain range and connect Karachi to the M-6 Motorway at Jamshoro, facilitating north-south trade and reducing congestion within Karachi.
In addition, the remaining 23-kilometre portion of the bypass—from Hamdard University Chowk to the M-9 Motorway—will also be widened to six lanes. A feasibility study for the entire project is currently underway, being led by NESPAK, with consultant selection in progress.
Committee members highlighted the project’s potential to resolve major traffic issues and significantly improve transit efficiency between Karachi and interior Sindh.
Concerns were also raised regarding frequent toll rate increases by the NHA, which reportedly revised rates three times recently—despite a stated policy of making changes only once every three years. The committee has asked NHA to provide a detailed explanation in the next meeting.
During the session, Motorway Police officials briefed the committee on traffic enforcement efforts, particularly the implementation of Section 279 of the Pakistan Penal Code. FIRs are now being filed against drivers exceeding 150 km/h—a strategy credited with reducing motorway accidents over the last five months. However, the committee proposed that criminal penalties be reconsidered in favour of steeper financial fines and license suspensions, with further discussions to be held with political stakeholders.
The committee also questioned the installation of two toll plazas within a 5-kilometre stretch on the M-9 Motorway, a setup that violates NHA policy. The Authority defended the decision, noting that tolls on major bridges are permissible regardless of distance. Nevertheless, the committee demanded a complete list of bridges with toll plazas and ordered an investigation into the deteriorating condition of a bridge near Hyderabad, requesting photo and video documentation.
Regarding the long-pending M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, the NHA confirmed that construction is expected to begin in April 2026, with financial support from the Islamic Development Bank. Land acquisition is set to begin soon, following approval from the Sindh government.
The committee also sought clarification on how a previously disqualified contractor secured a PKR 166 billion contract under the CAREC Tranche-III project, instructing the NHA to consult with the Senate Standing Committee on Communications for further inquiry.
Senior representatives from the Ministry of Communications and related departments attended the meeting.
