Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah led a review meeting with the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the provincial Works & Services department to discuss the status of road projects managed by the NHA.
The Chief Minister advocated for the federal government to transfer the Lyari Expressway’s control to the provincial government. This would facilitate its upkeep and allow for heavy traffic use.
He addressed the construction of an Interchange at M9, noting the M9 – N5 Link Road Project was largely complete as of July 2023, with 7.2km of the 21km now open. Originally a provincial task, the interchange’s construction had shifted to the NHA. An MoU was signed in February 2024 for the construction at approximately Rs3.5 billion.
The Chief Minister requested a reassessment of the steep costs of the M9 Interchange. The NHA chairman promised a cost review by his technical team.
Discussing the Karachi-Thatta dual carriageway, the Chief Minister explained that the Karachi-Thatta-Hyderabad section (N-5) was transferred to the Sindh government in January 2012 for development under a PPP/BOT basis, although not de-federalized. He urged full de-federalization to enable effective revenue management from tolls and other sources.
On the Indus Highway, he criticized the slow progress on the Jamshoro—Sehwan road, which started in 2018-19. He highlighted safety and functionality issues that need to be resolved. The NHA chairman assured that these issues would be addressed.
The Chief Minister emphasized the significance of the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge Project, including a major bridge over the River Indus connecting Ghotki (N-5) to Kandhkot (N-55).
For the 149km Mirpurkhas-Umerkot road to Khokhrapar, he noted ongoing works and the need for enhancements following recent rain damage. He intended to dualize the road, and the NHA chairman agreed to take the proposal to the ministry for discussion.
