The Sukkur‑Hyderabad M6 motorway, spanning about 240 km, is set to open fully by December 2026. Three construction packages were awarded in 2025, and toll rates range from PKR 1.20 to PKR 2.70 per kilometre depending on vehicle class, with discounts for electronic users.

Pakistan Sukkur‑Hyderabad Motorway (M6) 2026: package details, completion timeline and toll rates

The six‑lane M6 motorway linking Sukkur and Hyderabad is set to become a backbone of southern Punjab’s transport network. After a series of competitive bids, the National Highway Authority (NHA) awarded three main packages in early 2025. Construction is progressing on schedule, with the final segment expected to open by late 2026. This article unpacks the contract allocations, key milestones and the toll regime that will apply once the road is operational.

Project overview and strategic importance

The M6 spans roughly 240 kilometres, cutting travel time between Sukkur and Hyderabad from over five hours to just under three. It forms part of the broader China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) vision to create a high‑speed corridor from Karachi to the northern provinces. By bypassing congested town centres, the motorway will also reduce fuel consumption and road‑safety incidents on the older N-5.

Beyond passenger traffic, the route is designed to accommodate heavy freight, especially agricultural produce from the Sindh‑Punjab border. The NHA estimates that the motorway could boost regional trade by around 12 percent within the first two years of operation.

Package awards and construction timeline

Three packages were tendered in 2024. Package A, covering the 0‑80 km stretch from Sukkur to the first major interchange, was awarded to a joint venture of Habib Construction and China State Construction Engineering. Package B (80‑160 km) went to Frontier Infrastructure Ltd., while Package C (160‑240 km) was secured by a consortium led by ZKB Group.

All contractors committed to a 24‑month construction window, with a six‑month overlap for hand‑over and testing. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in February 2025, and as of August 2026 the majority of earthworks and bridge installations are complete. The only pending work involves final paving and intelligent‑transport‑system (ITS) installations on the last 30 km.

“The M6 is not just a road; it is a catalyst for economic integration across the heartland of Pakistan,” said NHA Chairman Asif Ali in a recent press briefing.

Projected completion dates and key milestones

The NHA has published a phased opening plan. The first two sections (Packages A and B) are slated for partial opening in November 2026, allowing limited traffic under a reduced speed limit. Full commercial operation of the entire 240 km stretch is expected by the end of December 2026, pending final safety audits.

Milestones include: completion of 150 km of dual‑carriageway by June 2026, installation of 12 toll plazas by September 2026, and commissioning of the solar‑powered lighting system along the entire route by early October 2026.

Toll structure and rates for different vehicle classes

The NHA announced a distance‑based toll model, calculated per kilometre travelled. Rates are differentiated by vehicle class, with a modest discount for local commuters holding a NHA‑issued Smart‑Tag. The following table outlines the standard rates as of September 2026.

Vehicle class	Rate per km (PKR)	Estimated total for full 240 km
Light motor vehicle (Cars, SUVs)	1.20	≈ 288 PKR
Medium motor vehicle (Pickup, Vans)	1.80	≈ 432 PKR
Heavy commercial vehicle (Trucks, Buses)	2.70	≈ 648 PKR
Special purpose (Emergency, Military)	0.00	Free

Discounts of up to 15 percent apply for frequent users who register for the NHA’s electronic toll collection system. Seasonal promotions may also be introduced during major festivals such as Eid‑ul‑Fitr.

Economic impact and connectivity benefits

Analysts from the State Bank of Pakistan project that the M6 will generate roughly PKR 2.3 billion in annual toll revenue, which will be earmarked for maintenance and future expansion projects. Moreover, the improved logistics corridor is expected to lower transportation costs for grain exporters by around 8 percent.

Local businesses anticipate a surge in roadside services, from fuel stations to hospitality outlets. The motorway’s design includes 15 service‑area complexes, each equipped with solar‑powered lighting, water‑recycling facilities and Wi‑Fi hubs, aligning with Pakistan’s green‑energy targets.