Karachi: Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar marked a significant milestone at the stone-laying ceremony for the M9-N5 link road interchange in the Kathore area, according to a news source on January 10.
Read: PM Kakar orders swift completion of KHI-Chaman Highway
As reported by the source, CM Baqar articulated that the foundation stone ceremony was conducted on the M9 motorway, underscoring the importance of constructing the interchange to bridge the final gap in traffic flow originating from Karachi’s industrial arteries through the M9-N5 link road project. This extension aims to enhance connectivity upcountry.
Notably, the M9-N5 link road project holds the distinction as Pakistan’s first public-private partnership project solely awarded based on traffic revenue, devoid of equity, minimum revenue guarantees, or financial support from the provincial government.
Read: Funds approved for development projects, construction of link road interchange in KHI
The concessionaire not only independently financed the project but also committed to managing operations and maintenance for the next 23 years, with the provincial government benefiting from traffic revenue during this period.
CM Baqar reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to promptly providing the necessary funds for construction as per the existing agreement. He expressed optimism that the FWO would adhere to the 12-month timeline specified in the contract for completing the interchange.