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This study proposes the use of multi-criteria decision models (MCDM) for transportation mode-route choice decisions. This method is beneficial when trips' microdata are unavailable. Route-mode choice decisions were investigated for three public transportation modes (buses, railways, and airlines) in the post-China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) investment in Pakistan Railways (PR) for a link between Peshawar and Karachi. TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) was used for the mode choice decisions and a hybrid model of AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Approach) - TOPSIS was used for the route choice decision ML-1 link of PR. This study concludes that rails were the best mode of transportation in post-CPEC investment. Furthermore, route 3, linking Karachi to Peshawar via Lodhran, Multan, and Miniawali, is the best route connection among the four considered routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan Railways has faced a severe financial crisis in recent years. Pakistan has recently become a partner with China in a mega-investment project under an agreement called the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Among other things, CPEC also includes a range of investments in Pakistan Railways. This particular study focuses on the analysis of US$8.2 billion investment in the upgrade and expansion of the Karachi-Peshawar railways link, which is also known as the ML-1 (Main Line 1). The study found ML-1 as economically viable with a payback period of 10 years. Furthermore, ML-1 project investment is expected to result in uplifting Pakistan Railways, mainly through an increase in freight and passenger transportation. Some risk factors may hinder the expected economic return from the CPEC investment in Pakistan Railways. These factors include consistency in the government policies, the status of the Pakistani economy in upcoming years, and law and order situations in the country. The study has a utility for the governments of both countries and larger business communities have stakes in the trade between the two countries. It is equally beneficial for the international community, businesses (both in China and Pakistan) and locals of the region associated with the CPEC infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]