Pakistan’s Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway to Boost Karachi Port Connectivity
Pakistan’s motorway infrastructure programme is set for a major development, with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan announcing that construction of the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway will begin next month. The project is expected to strengthen road connectivity with Karachi Port, supporting freight transportation, maritime logistics and domestic trade.
Addressing the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Khan outlined financial reforms at the National Highway Authority (NHA), targeting an increase in annual revenue from Rs. 66 billion to Rs. 160 billion while capping administrative expenses at Rs. 50 billion. For Pakistan’s maritime trade, efficient highway links to seaports are essential for reducing cargo transit delays, improving supply-chain efficiency and strengthening connections between inland markets and international shipping networks.
NHA Targets Financial Sustainability and Road Investment
Khan said the NHA was pursuing financial reforms to expand infrastructure development through improved revenue generation and expenditure controls. He stated that 70% of the authority’s revenue was being reinvested in Balochistan’s infrastructure, with the N-25 highway identified as a priority. The authority is also prioritizing 66 major projects requiring an estimated Rs. 3 trillion in investment.
Motorway Projects to Strengthen Freight and Port Access
The minister outlined several road infrastructure projects with implications for commercial transportation, regional connectivity and logistics operations.
- Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway: Construction is scheduled to begin next month, with three approved sections intended to improve high-speed road access towards Karachi Port.
- Sambrial–Kharian Motorway: Expected to shorten the Lahore–Rawalpindi road distance by 100 kilometres and reduce travel time by more than an hour.
- Faisalabad Motorway: Expansion work is progressing without government budget funding, according to the minister.
- Lodhran Expressway: Nearing completion through the NHA’s internal resources, Khan said.
- N-25 Highway: Identified as a major infrastructure priority in Balochistan.
- Northern road extensions: Plans include extending the Murree Expressway into Azad Kashmir and developing further motorway links beyond Kaghan and Naran to promote tourism and improve access towards the Chinese border and neighbouring regions.
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Strategic Implications for Maritime Logistics
Improved highway connectivity can strengthen the relationship between Pakistan’s road transport network and its maritime gateways. Better access to Karachi Port could support cargo movement between inland commercial centres and port facilities, helping transport operators manage delivery schedules and logistics costs. For Pakistan’s shipping and port sectors, however, the benefits will depend on timely project completion, effective connections with existing freight corridors and the ability of port and road infrastructure to accommodate growing cargo volumes. The announced investment programme places transport connectivity at the centre of broader trade and logistics
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