The long-awaited dream of a seamless motorway connection between Karachi and the rest of Pakistan is finally moving toward reality. After years of planning and funding hurdles, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has confirmed that construction on the critical Hyderabad-Karachi link is scheduled to begin in May 2026.
This project is a vital piece of the country’s infrastructure puzzle. It aims to reduce travel time, improve safety, and boost trade by connecting the port city of Karachi to the wider M6 Motorway network.
Confirmed Funding and Financial Stability
One of the biggest breakthroughs for the project is the secured financial backing. Previously, the project faced uncertainty regarding its high costs. However, recent agreements have solidified the budget:
IsDB Loan: On January 22, 2026, the government officially signed a $475 million financing agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). This money is specifically designated for sections 4 and 5 of the project.
Revised Total Cost: Through better fiscal planning, the total project cost has been updated to Rs 363.70 billion, down from earlier estimates of Rs 450 billion.
Government Allocation: The project is a priority in the 2025-26 Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), with Rs 15 billion already approved for land acquisition and initial work.
The New M-10 Motorway Designation
A major update for travelers and logistics companies is the official renaming of the Hyderabad-Karachi section. This 168-kilometer route is now officially designated as the M-10 Motorway.
In October 2025, the engineering firm NESPAK completed a detailed feasibility study for this link. The M-10 will not only connect to the M6 at Jamshoro but will also involve upgrading the Karachi Northern Bypass. This specific section is expected to cost approximately Rs 254 billion and will be built using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
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Key Project Milestones
The transition from planning to construction is moving quickly. Below are the critical dates for the upcoming phases of the project:
| Milestone | Expected Date |
| Feasibility Study Completion (NESPAK) | October 2025 |
| IsDB Financing Agreement Signed | January 22, 2026 |
| Bidding Process Conclusion | March 2026 |
| Official Start of Construction | May 2026 |
Why This Project Matters
The M6 and M10 projects are more than just asphalt and concrete; they represent a major economic corridor. By completing the “missing link” between Hyderabad and Karachi, the government expects to:
Enhance Safety: Replace aging roads with modern, high-speed motorway standards.
Boost Economy: Allow trucks carrying goods from Karachi ports to reach northern Pakistan faster and more cheaply.
Create Jobs: Thousands of jobs will be created during the construction phase starting in May.
As the bidding process wraps up in March 2026, all eyes will be on the NHA to ensure the May start date is met, finally bringing a modern transport solution to one of Pakistan’s busiest travel routes.