Islamabad: The cost of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6) project has been adjusted from Rs. 395 billion to Rs. 364 billion, as clarified during the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting. The revised cost recommendation will be forwarded to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The correction follows an earlier misreporting of the project cost. The National Highway Authority (NHA) initially presented a figure of Rs. 395 billion. However, during the meeting chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, concerns were raised over this proposed amount.

After thorough discussion, the CDWP approved the revised figure of Rs. 364 billion, aligning with CSR rates. The forum also confirmed financing for three sections of the project and instructed the NHA to adjust the plans accordingly.

The Islamic Development Bank has already committed to funding Sections IV and V of the project. Talks for financing Section III are progressing well. For Sections I and II, the Federal Minister for Planning stressed the importance of exploring Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities and directed that necessary arrangements be completed by mid-August 2025 to ensure the project’s timely completion within three years.

A high-level committee, chaired by the Federal Minister for Finance, has been established to finalize financing for the remaining sections. This committee will include the Federal Ministers for Communications, Economic Affairs, and Planning, alongside senior officials from the NHA, P3A, and the Ministry of Communications.