Peshawar-Karachi Motorway (PKM project) Multan- Sukkur section in Pakistan, initiated by China State Construction Engrg. Corp (CSCEC), has been finished in three years, witnessing the unremitting efforts of the CSCEC team for more than a decade. It is a key project of the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) and the largest transportation infrastructure project under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The friendship between China and Pakistan brought closer by PKM will stand the test of time and grow with new vitality. Dreams and hopes are intertwined, allowing more people to embrace happiness and the future together, says a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Monday. The total length of the PKM (Multan- Sukkur) is 392 kilometers, with 6 lanes in two directions, the design speed is 120km/h, including 100 bridges, 1,522 structures, 11 mutual interchanges, 6 pairs of service areas, 5 pairs of rest areas, and 22 toll stations.  Greening and smart transport systems have been set up along the entire route to achieve full coverage of video surveillance. Wang Yaodong, General Manager of CSCEC Pakistan and Executive GM of PKM Project, noted that the intelligent toll collection system could reduce the transit time to two or three seconds. The electronic signs can help people reach their destination faster.

Intelligent traffic management system can realize the monitoring of the entire road and comprehensively master the traffic flow, event detection, and other road conditions,’ he added. Smart streetlamps light up all night long, illuminating every passenger’s way home. The combination of highway construction and technology keeps the road ahead bright, giving them safety and warmth. As the first of its kind in Pakistan with intelligent transportation capabilities the road has reduced the commuting time between Multan and Sukkur from 11 hours. Usman, a truck driver who travels between Multan and Shkkur all year round, knows this well. The reduced transport time has brought numerous benefits to Usman’s life. “I get more time to rest, spend with my family, and even take on additional trips. My efficiency and punctuality also improved, as I can now deliver goods to my customers in a much shorter time frame, said Usman excitedly. The faster delivery of goods allows businesses to operate more efficiently, leading to increased productivity and growth. The reduced travel time also means perishable goods can be shipped fresher and faster, benefiting both producers and consumers. Usman’s success story soon became an inspiration to other truckers traveling the same route.

They witnessed the transformation in Usman’s work and were cultivated to embrace the new motorway, experiencing similar benefits. The construction of the PKM motorway has also brought new hospitals, schools, and restaurants… and brought banality to the areas along the road. Qasir had always framed of making a sighficant contribution to the infrastructure development of his country. After graduating from Harbin University of Science and Technology in China, he was selected to lead the construction department of the PKM Motorway project due to his exceptional organizational skills and extensive experience in the construction industry. From the very beginning, Qaisar faced numerous challenges. The project required meticulous planning, coordination and effective communication with various stakeholders, including government officials, engineers, contractors and local communities. With unwavering determination, the Chinese and Pakistani staff assembled a team of highly skilled professionals who shared their passion for excellence. They emphasized the importance of teamwork and encouraged open communication among team members. Regular meetings were held to discuss progress, address concerns, and brainstorm innovative solutions. By closely monitoring every aspect of the project, PKM engineers ensured that the construction activities adhered to the highest quality standards and were completed within the scheduled timeline.

They also prioritized safety, implementing strict safety protocols to protect both the workers and the surrounding environment. As Qaisar reflected on his journey. He felt a deep sense of fulfillment. The PKM Motorway project has not only transformed the physical landscape but also left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. Qaisar’s legacy as the project manager of the construction department will forever be remembered as a symbol of progress and development in Pakistan. Total of 350,00 staff, including Qaisar, were involved in the PKM project. Over 4,500 equipment operators and 2,300 management and technical personnel were trained. The road built by CSCEC has opened up a world of possibilities for countless people like Usman and Qaisar. 2023 marks the 10^th anniversary of the joint construction of BRI. In the past ten years, CSCEC has taken “expanding happiness space ‘as its mission, adhering to the core values of ‘quality assurance and value creation’, and deeply cultivating the urban development along the ‘Belt and Road’. Taking this opportunity, CSCEC carried out the video planning of the 10^th anniversary of the Witnessing Revitalization of the Cities- a Tale of ten cities’ initiative. The Pakistan PKM video is based on the above true stories and can be viewed in full at the following link.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China