Construction of the Sialkot-Kharian Motorway (M-12) has fallen behind schedule, with only 20% of the work completed so far. The Rs89.739 billion project was initially scheduled for completion in September 2024, but the deadline has now been extended to February 2028.
Launched in October 2022, the 69-kilometre motorway aims to improve road connectivity between Sialkot and Kharian. However, funding constraints and delays in land acquisition have slowed progress, according to sources.
The district administrations of Sialkot and Gujrat have reportedly been slow in processing the gazette notifications required for land acquisition, creating further hurdles for the project.
Construction work resumed in February 2026 and is now progressing at full pace, sources said. However, completing the remaining work on time will depend on the timely release of funds and the resolution of outstanding land acquisition issues.
In August 2026, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved sovereign guarantees worth Rs27.62 billion to help the project reach financial close.
The Prime Minister’s Office has also stressed the need to accelerate land acquisition. Sources said the office recommended that the prime minister direct Punjab’s chief secretary to speed up the process.
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The project includes a six-lane motorway and a 1,043-metre bridge over the River Chenab. Once completed, it is expected to reduce travel difficulties between Sialkot and Kharian and improve regional road connectivity.
With the revised completion date set for February 2028, the project faces the challenge of finishing the remaining 80% of construction within the available time. Resolving funding issues and speeding up land acquisition will be essential to prevent further delays.