M-9 in a shambles 9 years after construction

The Hyderabad-Karachi M-9 Motorway has fallen into severe disrepair just nine years after its construction, raising serious concerns over safety, maintenance and accountability despite the collection of billions of rupees annually in toll taxes.

Large potholes have appeared at multiple points along the motorway, while several stretches have sunk into the ground, turning parts of the highway into trenches. Accidents have reportedly become a routine occurrence, and motorists are increasingly facing vehicle breakdowns and delays due to the poor road condition.

Construction of the 136-kilometre-long M-9 Motorway began in 2015 and the road was inaugurated in 2017 by then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The motorway serves as a major artery linking Karachi with the rest of the country and remains busy around the clock.

However, a 27-kilometre stretch of the six-lane highway is said to be in an extremely dilapidated state due to the absence of repair work for a prolonged period.

Motorists report that deep potholes have developed over long distances, while in several places the road surface has collapsed entirely, forming channels extending several metres.

Despite the passage of nine years since completion, no major rehabilitation or resurfacing work has been carried out.

The motorway was constructed at a cost of Rs36 billion through loans under an agreement between the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and the federal government.

Under the agreement, the road was to remain under FWO's management for 25 years. However, road users complain that basic facilities promised under the contract are largely missing.

Currently, only one fire brigade vehicle is available on the motorway, which is considered inadequate in case of serious accidents. There is no dedicated emergency hospital along the route. The only available facility is a 100-bed hospital of the Jamshoro Health Department in Nooriabad, which itself faces frequent complaints over lack of resources.

No service roads have been constructed alongside the six-lane motorway, nor has proper plantation been carried out on either side.

Meanwhile, toll taxes amounting to billions of rupees are being collected every year, with regular increases announced, further aggravating public resentment.

Drivers have also pointed out that iron glare-prevention barriers installed on the central divider have been stolen from several locations.

Accumulated dirt and debris along the divider are creating visibility and safety hazards for motorists.

Passenger vehicle drivers say the road surface has developed waves and uneven patches, making driving extremely difficult, especially on slopes and inclines. "Vehicles suddenly veer to one side due to ruts in the road which might cause accidents, moreover, suspension and tyres get damaged too," one driver said, adding that even high-quality tyres wear out within two months.

Drivers travelling on the route since 2016 say no meaningful maintenance has been carried out, despite repeated increases in toll charges.

Road users have demanded that repair and rehabilitation work on the M-9 Motorway be carried out on an emergency basis and that all facilities promised under the agreement be provided without further delay.