PHOTO: FILE
The Chinese experts and staff present in Pakistan have resumed their work.
As work has partially resumed on the project after it was halted due to the lockdown imposed in March, preparations will now be made for a test run of 22 trains simultaneously at intervals of five minutes to offer optimum service to passengers.
Sources said the progress of the project had slowed down amid the lockdown but now the Chinese experts and staff present in Pakistan have resumed their work. However, due to suspension of flights from China, the work has not fully resumed.
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The management of the project has acquired power supply from six grid stations. Two more grid stations will be linked to the system to ensure that alternative supply of electricity is available during the operation of the metro train system.
The sources said preparations to complete the operation and maintenance process will resume after the lockdown ends. The staff will be trained for the operation and maintenance of the system. Final touches will also be given to the civil structure whose construction has been completed.
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In the initial phase, 22 trains will be run on the tracks at the planned intervals and speed, and the results will be evaluated. During the phase, the trains will be operated without passengers as its aim is to assess the preparations for the operation. The trains will leave the starting point after every five minutes
Earlier, the Orange Line Train project was successfully tested but further work was stopped due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Now the authorities are reviewing the options for taking the project forward as the restrictions imposed under the lockdown have been eased.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2020.
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