OLMT completes road works underneath track

Next step is to install traffic lights along the route

LAHORE: After the restoration of roads underneath the elevated track of the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT), the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) started installing traffic signals along the route at an estimated cost of Rs90 million. The project is now nearing the completion stage.

The authority has invited bids for installation of traffic signals from Dera Gujjran on Grand Trunk (GT) Road to Fawara Chowk on McLeod Road at an estimated cost of Rs22.6 million. The signals will also be installed from Lahore Hotel on McLeod Road to Jain Mandir on Lytton Road at a cost of Rs24 million, from Khan Baba Restaurant on Lake Road to Scheme Morr on Multan Road at Rs20.8 million and Subzazar on Multan Road to Ali Town on Raiwind Road at a cost of Rs17.38 million.

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) is also working diligently to complete work underneath and around the metro train track. In most areas, the authority has already planted grass and plants underneath the track.



Lahore Division Commissioner Abdullah Khan Sumbal has directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to complete the metro train project as per the set timeline. Speaking to the project review meeting, the commissioner highlighted public expectations have been raised after the successful trial run. He assured the metro train would start commercial operations at the earliest.

He also directed authorities to take extra care and abide by health and safety standards during the execution of the project in the approaching monsoon season. He ordered the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to finalise their plans for the early disposal of storm water and solid waste from the city during the rainy season. The commissioner stressed public convenience was a top priority.

National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) General Manager Salman Hafeez briefed meeting participants that 89% of work on the project had been completed. Progress of work on package-I from Dera Gujjaran on GT Road to Chouburji was 94.08%, on package-II from Choburji to Ali Town was 85.16%, on Depot near Dera Gujran was 89.51 % and Stabling Yard near Ali Town was 91.28 %.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2018.