Impact Of CPEC on Cost & Time of Transportation, And Regional Connectivity in Pakistan

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Motorway route on Pakistan's transportation system. CPEC serves as a means to reduce distances and position Pakistan as a bridge, facilitating sustainable and convenient routes for global connectivity. However, the entire CPEC/Motorway alignment has not been fully constructed. Hence, the study focuses on the completed portion of the Motorway/CPEC route from Burhan (Hassan Abdal) to Sukkur. The research was motivated by the popular belief among citizens that the Motorway route is excessively expensive. The primary objective is to compare the National Highway (N-5) with the CPEC/Motorway alignment, assessing regional connectivity, transportation costs, travel time, and travel quality. The study uses two major road alignments, specifically the network between Burhan (Hasan Abdal) and Sukkur, as case studies. A questionnaire was administered to gather data, consisting of 51 different barriers, which were analyzed using SPSS through t-tests, Reliability, and Factor analysis. The survey targeted travelers who had experience with both routes, ensuring the inclusion of user experiences. Based on the objectives and results, the Motorway/CPEC route demonstrated economic benefits, time savings, and higher travel quality compared to the National Highway (N-5) when traveling from the upper to the lower regions. The findings reveal that safety and infrastructure are the most influential factors impacting sustainable mobility between Hasan Abdal and Sukkur. Consequently, the study recommends the provision of user-friendly and safe infrastructure, along with increased usage, to promote a viable road network.