The Orange Line Metro Train, under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has started trial operations under the management of a joint venture led by Norinco International.
While progressing smoothly, the preparatory work has entered the final stage with commercial operation expected to start soon.
In February, Norinco International, as the leading company, joined hands with Guangzhou Metro Group (GMG) and Pakistan Daewoo Company to form a joint venture, which won the contract for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of Orange Line for the next eight years.
After the O&M contract was signed, the joint operation and maintenance team carried out recruitment and skill trainings.
The Chinese mentors gave professional rail transit training to the local students, and a deep friendship was established between the teachers and trainees.
So far, the joint team has completed recruitment, skills training, joint survey and re-test, and is well prepared for the opening.
With the launch of Orange Line, it is estimated that nearly 250,000 passengers will be facilitated with the service every day and the commuting time through the northern and southern urban areas of the city will be significantly reduced from 2.5 hours to 45 minutes.
Concurrently, the Orange Line project created more than 7,000 local jobs during its construction period and now has generated nearly 2,000 jobs during the O&M period for the residents of Lahore, upgrading the employment scenario of the city.
The Orange Line is likely not only to prominently improve the travel efficiency of citizens and promote the socio-economic development level in Lahore but will also be introducing a new momentum into the development of urban modernisation.
In compliance with the laws of urban green development in Lahore and Pakistan's national development strategy, the country will officially enter the subway era with the launch of Orange Line Metro Rail Transit System.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2020.
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