THE M-9 motorway linking Karachi and Hyderabad was reconstructed back in 2017 as a project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). After the project was finally over after several years, the toll tax for private vehicles was set at Rs210. It was justifiable as the road had been newly constructed and the quality of drive had been much better than what had been the case previously. However, after a few months, the tax was increased to Rs260 without any valid justification and reason.

Owing to the construction of societies, towns and colonies at both ends of the motorway — Karachi and Jamshoro — the administration changed the location of toll plazas. For instance, it was moved from Jamshoro interchange to near Lonikot. After the relocation of the toll plazas, the distance of the road actually got shortened, from 168km to 140km. But, instead of giving some relief to the travellers, the toll tax was raised from Rs260 to Rs310.

In its current condition, the motorway, according to international road standards, should not even be called a ‘motorway’.

The road, at best, is a slightly better version of the old Super Highway even though there are several uneven and wavering patches that would not be found on most highways even within the country.

Furthermore, according to National Highway rules, Rs1.30 is charged per kilometre for the first 5-10 years of a motorway. The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) collects extra charges, though.

People are already facing unprecedented hyperinflation for the last several years. The relevant authorities should revisit the tax collection policy to facilitate the public in whichever way they possibly can.

Shahbaz Ali
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2022