Islamabad: Secretary Ministry of Communications Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui Visited the Karachi National Highway Authority (NHA) zonal office at the end of the second week of September and was briefed about the progress of M-9 Motorway expansion and construction project. A detailed presentation was given by Member (South Zone), Syed Shabbir Ali Shah and GM (M-9) Abdul Latif Mahesar on the different aspects of Karachi Hyderabad (M-9) Motorway. Senator Dr Ashok Kumar, senior officials members of M/s. SCORE, FWO & QAI consultant participated in detailed discussion.
It was informed that Karachi Hyderabad Motorway M-9 is a part of Peshawar Karachi Motorway (PKM) eastern route of the CPEC and is strategic connection between port city Karachi & up country. The scope is conversion of existing 04 lanes Super Highway into 6 lanes Motorway M-9 from Karachi (Sohrab Goth) to Hyderabad. The length of project is 136kms with construction of 08 NOs new interchanges and 02 existing interchanges, widening of 11 bridges on each side, construction of toll plazas, 02 new service areas one on each side to facilitate road commuters. M-9 is constructed on Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under Concession Agreement of 25 years. M-9 is in advance stage of completion, with progress of 95.8%.
Apart from the construction of M-9 Motorway, M/s SCORE / FWO has established Trauma Centers and Schools along M-9 Motorway to facilitate the local population and to facilitate commuters in case of emergencies. Dumba Goth Trauma Center was inaugurated on October 2016 with 12 Bed Capacity and its clinical team attended 745 road traffic accident patients and 27600 local patients till to date and also provided medicines to the patients. Likewise Nooriabad Trauma Center was inaugurated on July 2017 with 12 Bed Capacity and it has attended 1050 road traffic accident patients and 16450 local patients till to date and also provided medicines to the patients. Other major facilities of the Trauma Centers include 24 Hours Emergency services for accidents / emergencies’ casualties, X-Ray & Ultrasound, Minor OT & E.C.G, Labor Room & incubator, Peads resuscitation & Laboratory
The Project Scope also includes Plantation along M-9. To this effect 144,000 trees have been planted and other 144,000 trees to be planted in next 40kms by June 2019. The secretary appreciated this effort for the environment.
FWO is in process of construction of two state of the art service areas and service road network. To introduce the smart concept of the Motorway, an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) has also been established.
