‘Use of technology imperative to safeguard CPEC routes’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s biggest logistical challenge with regard to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor is the pilfering of goods into Pakistan, which can only be addressed with the help of technology.

This was stated by TPL Trakker CEO Sarwar Ali Khan while addressing the Intermodal Asia 2019 Conference in Shanghai, China.

Intermodal Asia is a 3-day conference that brings together leading decision makers and market experts in the container, transport and logistics industry from over 90 different countries. TPL Trakker was the only Pakistani company representing the logistics sector this year.

Sarwar stated that leveraging the latest technological developments in the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, there will be 24/7 monitoring of vehicles to prevent deviation from prescribed routes, besides weight/load sensors to closely monitor the weight of cargo throughout the journey.

“A major challenge in regulation is drivers’ safety, as the CPEC corridor will go through the Karakoram Mountains where the geographic terrain is hazardous. This will be managed through monitoring the driver’s behaviour, ensuring his safety by implementing compulsory rest hours, speed violations and seat belt alerts,” he added.

Sarwar pointed out that coverage is another challenge in this regard, as the GSM-based devices which are used for tracking are not available on some of the current CPEC routes.

“For this, we are utilising satellite-based ‘hybrid’ tracking devices, as the majority of communication satellites have sufficient coverage across CPEC routes.”

He said this hybrid tracking eliminates ‘black spots’ to ensure the safety of cargo and personnel, and give end-to-end visibility of cargo movement.

With the help of Intrusion Detection, there will be real-time notifications and subsequent mobilization of on-ground teams, he said, adding that the monitoring systems will also be alerted if a vehicle stops at one location for an excessive amount of time.