Islamabad – The National Highway Authority (NHA) has unveiled plans to significantly upgrade the Karachi Northern Bypass as part of its broader initiative to improve regional connectivity under the upcoming M-10 Motorway project.

During a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications, chaired by MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, NHA Chairman Muhammad Shehryar Sultan announced that the 34-kilometre stretch of the Northern Bypass—from ICI Bridge to Hamdard University Chowk, Madinat al-Hikmah—will be expanded into an eight-lane motorway. The upgrade aims to ease heavy traffic between Karachi Port and upcountry dry ports.

The project will integrate with a newly proposed 134-kilometre M-10 Motorway, passing through the Khirthar mountain range and connecting Karachi to the M-6 Motorway at Jamshoro. This six-lane route is expected to significantly enhance north-south trade and passenger movement while reducing traffic congestion within Karachi city limits.

Additionally, the remaining 23-kilometre section of the existing bypass—from Hamdard University Chowk to the M-9 Motorway—will be widened into six lanes. According to NHA officials, a feasibility study by NESPAK is currently underway, with consultant selection in progress.

The committee highlighted that the project will help resolve longstanding traffic bottlenecks and ensure safer and faster transit between Karachi and interior Sindh.

Meanwhile, lawmakers raised concerns over frequent toll rate hikes, noting that NHA had increased rates three times in a short period, against the policy of a three-year interval. The authority was directed to provide a detailed justification in the next meeting.

Motorway Police officials informed the committee that FIRs are being registered against drivers exceeding 150 km/h under Section 279 of the Pakistan Penal Code, leading to a reduction in accidents. However, the committee suggested replacing criminal penalties with stricter financial fines and license suspensions, pending consultations with political parties.

Other issues discussed included the placement of two toll plazas within a 5-kilometre stretch on the M-9 Motorway and the deteriorating condition of a bridge near Hyderabad. The NHA was instructed to investigate and provide photo and video evidence of the bridge’s state.

Regarding the delayed M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, officials stated that construction is now expected to commence in April 2026 with funding from the Islamic Development Bank, while land acquisition is pending Sindh government approval.

The committee also sought clarification on the awarding of a PKR 166 billion CAREC Tranche-III project contract to a previously disqualified contractor and asked the NHA to coordinate with the Senate Standing Committee on Communications for further details.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Communications and its attached departments attended the meeting.