The project envisions a modern, multi-lane bridge over the River Indus connecting the twin cities of Sukkur and Rohri.
- The proposed bridge will be capable of supporting heavy commercial vehicles, featuring dedicated pedestrian walkways and modern lighting.
Sindh Courier Report
Karachi
In a move aimed at revolutionizing the transport landscape of Northern Sindh, the government of Sindh has approved to construct a modern, multi-lane bridge over the River Indus connecting the twin cities of Sukkur and Rohri. The proposed bridge will be capable of supporting heavy commercial vehicles, featuring dedicated pedestrian walkways and modern lighting.
The proposed new bridge project came up for discussion in 51st meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, on March 16, 2026. Chaired by the Chief Minister of Sindh, the board deliberated on a landmark proposal presented by the Local Government & Housing Town Planning (HTP) Department.
The project has been conceived at a critical time for the region. Currently, the historic Lansdowne Bridge and the Sukkur Barrage serve as the primary links between the two cities. However, with the Sukkur Barrage crossing closed for public movement until at least 2027 due to essential maintenance, the burden has fallen entirely on the aging Lansdowne Bridge.
Approximately, 20,000 to 30,000 vehicles traverse the Lansdowne Bridge daily. Roughly 70% of residents in Rohri, Salehpat, and Pano Aqil depend on this link for access to jobs, education, and healthcare in Sukkur. Over time, traffic demand across the river has increased due to population growth, expansion of economic activity, and rising motorization. This dependency results in intense peak hours and all-day demand, producing frequent bottlenecks and adversely affecting access to time-sensitive services, including emergency health care and firefighting facilitation.
Due to its historic nature and aged infrastructure of the Lansdowne Bridge, heavy commercial vehicles traffic to and from Sukkur, as well as adjoining districts such as Shikarpur, Jacobabad, and Larkana, and heavy traffic bound for major corridors including the N-5 and M-5 Motorway, is barred from using this route. Consequently, a significant longer route is adopted for intra and inter districts’ trade movement.
The new bridge is envisioned as a “strategic infrastructure intervention” designed to decompress current bottlenecks. Preliminary plans outline a 1.5 km multi-lane structure situated north of Bukkur Island.
Strategic Alignment
West Bank (Sukkur): Connection near Zero Point Sukkur.
East Bank (Rohri): Connection near the DSP Office and City Water Supply area.
The alignment has been specifically chosen to minimize the displacement of residential properties while maximizing the connection to existing road networks.
The HTP Department is seeking approval for Project Development Facility (PDF) funding. This capital will be used to engage specialized transaction advisors to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and handle the tender process.
By utilizing the PPP modality, the Government of Sindh aims to leverage private sector efficiency and investment. Following the feasibility results, the project will move toward competitive investor solicitation to ensure “value for money” and long-term sustainability.
Beyond easing traffic, the project is expected to act as a catalyst for the regional economy. By providing a reliable route for heavy goods and high-volume traffic, the bridge will support local markets and regional trade across Shikarpur, Jacobabad, and Larkana.
The construction of the New Sukkur–Rohri Bridge will significantly enhance connectivity between the two urban centers while facilitating smoother movement of goods and services across districts, thereby supporting local markets, small businesses, and regional trade. As a strategic infrastructure intervention, the project will serve as a cornerstone for long-term socio-economic development and stability in Northern Sindh. By diverting heavy and high-volume traffic away from fragile historic crossings, it will also contribute to the preservation of heritage assets such as the Lansdowne Bridge and the Sukkur Barrage. Overall, the project will strengthen the economic prospects of Northern Sindh and provide the citizens of Sukkur, Rohri, and adjoining areas with safe, reliable, and modern transport infrastructure.
In light of the above, the Department intends to construct a new bridge over Indus River to provide new link between Sukkur-Rohri and adjoining towns to decompress the traffic on the only existing link. Considering the strategic importance, anticipated benefits and technicality of the proposed project, the Local Government & Housing Town Planning Department proposes to undertake the project under the PPP modality and intends to engage transaction advisors to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study and transaction advisory services through Project Development Facility (PDF) funding. Based on the outcome of the feasibility study, the project may subsequently be structured and implemented under the PPP modality via competitive investor solicitation to ensure transparency, value for money, and sustainability.
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