NA body seeks explanation on insufficient funding for M-6 Motorway

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Communications has expressed dissatisfaction over the inadequate allocation for the M-6 (Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway) project in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). 

The committee has summoned the secretary of planning, chief secretary of Sindh, and the Ministry of Communications representatives to the next meeting to explain why the M-6 has not received the necessary attention and to provide a clear timeline for its inclusion and proper allocation in the PSDP.

The meeting, chaired by MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, was held at the Parliament House on Thursday.

The committee reaffirmed the socio-economic importance of the M-6 project, urging its inclusion in the upcoming PSDP 2024-25. The Ministry of Communications designated M-6 as their top priority and confirmed ongoing efforts to advance the project. However, the committee remained dissatisfied with the inadequate allocation in the PSDP and sought further clarity.

During discussions, the committee expressed concern over the significant mismatch between the allocated and requested budgets for the M-6, highlighting a mere Rs50 million allocation against a demand of Rs82 billion as a sign of a lack of seriousness.

The Ministry of Communications clarified that it had sought Rs624 billion but was only granted Rs161 billion, with Rs14 billion released in the first quarter.

In light of this, the committee recommended prioritising and completing key projects instead of starting numerous incomplete ones. The ministry cited the prevailing political and financial crises as significant factors behind the slow progress of national development projects.

In response to queries regarding the project selection criteria for the federal PSDP, both the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Communications provided responses that were deemed unsatisfactory by the committee.

The committee directed these bodies to submit comprehensive reports at the next meeting, detailing province-wise budget allocations, project selection criteria, revenue generation data, and specific timelines for project initiation and completion. The committee also raised concern over the absence of a responsible official during discussions on the N-45 project. The secretary has been instructed to take appropriate action against the absentee official and return with a detailed response.

Several other major infrastructure projects were reviewed, including the Hazara Motorway, Zhob Bypass, Karachi-Khuzdar, Quetta-Zhob dualisation, Sadiqabad-Sindh, Khuzdar Bypass, and M-9. The ministry has been asked to provide updates on the status and progress of these projects in the next session.

The committee called attention to the northern bypass of Karachi, seeking dualisation of the track due to heavy traffic, and directed the ministry to expedite progress on this critical project. The ministry informed the committee that work has begun on the Gharro-KT Bandar Road, funded by Rs1.2 billion through the National Highway Authority (NHA), with tenders already awarded.

Regarding the damaged 20-kilometre stretch of the Thatta-Kinjhar Road, the chairman directed an inquiry into the substandard work, which raised safety concerns and cost Rs350 million of public funds. Legal action against the contractor responsible is being considered, and a detailed report will be submitted within one month.

The committee emphasised the need to preserve the historically significant New Baran Bridge, which has suffered damage. Despite the feasibility study and survey work being completed one and a half years ago, no progress has been made. The secretary of communications is expected to provide an update at the next meeting.

The committee also sought an update on the construction of the Shahdadkot Bypass on the M-8 at the next session.