Traffic Capacity Analysis and Truck Freight Traffic Management on CPEC Routes

Abstract

Freight transport plays an imperative role in enhancing the economy of the country. Projects under CPEC, which includes energy projects, motorways/ highways, railway links, oil and gas pipelines, special economic zones (SEZ), dry ports and communication links, are expected to bring inclusive economic prosperity in the region especially to Pakistan. The highways in Pakistan are being used extensively for freight movement, which is leading to early deterioration/ failure of pavements and other road infrastructure. According to the survey of ministry of finance, 96% of the national freight traffic is carried on road networks (Ministry of Finance, Pakistan, 2008). With the development of CPEC, the freight demand across the country will increase which will intensify the traffic demand on National highways. In this backdrop, an effort has been made in analysing the current freight load carrying capacity in terms of road transportation on highways and motorways of Pakistan, in order to optimally and efficiently manage the truck freight traffic. Operational analysis of truck freight traffic under different conditions on CPEC routes was carried out to suggest a comprehensive framework to keep the operations of CPEC running under massive load for CPEC scenario. To evaluate the current capacity and improvements/ enhancements required under the effect of CPEC, trade shift from China and other neighbouring countries was the prime focus of this research.