The project of the Hub-Dureji-Dadu motorway, also known as M-7, has been planned by the National Highway Authority (NHA). It is the southernmost patch of the north-south route from Islamabad to Karachi. The plan of 270 kilometres long motorway has been chalked out, which will connect more cities to the motorway network. It will include six service areas connected to M-6 (Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway) which was recently inaugurated. Moreover, the final section of M-6, the Peshawar-Karachi motorway, will link all major cities of Pakistan together.
The motorway network in Pakistan will positively impact different sectors such as construction, hospitality, transport etc. It will connect all the country’s major cities from north to south, resulting in fewer passengers travelling time and a smooth drive. It will also make trading between cities easier, boosting business activities while cutting transportation costs. By building several south and north-bound motorway networks, a part of the CPEC will connect China to Gwadar in Balochistan for trade activities. Furthermore, the linked network will encourage tourism activities in the country’s south, which was not easily accessible before because most roads were improper, with no security or safety. The motorway will protect travellers as it will be under the control of NHA. Also, after the completion of M-7, there will be less traffic on M-6.
The government must develop road networks in Pakistan to link all cities, including the unapproachable areas. The smooth access to such areas will boost trade, tourism and business activities. It will divide the traffic flow and reduce the congestion on a single road. Moreover, the drivers will consume less petrol, providing value for money and a cleaner environment. Hotels and rest areas must also be built along the motorway so travellers can rest and explore the under-developed regions with high potential. It will also create awareness among developers, industrialists and investors who can invest and contribute to developing such areas in Pakistan. The motorways are an integral part of the transport network in Pakistan and also significant for the ‘National Trade Corridor Project’ as it connects three major seaports (Bin Qasim, Gwadar and Karachi Ports). Hence, more motorway projects must be planned and built to increase economic activities and ease business and development.
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