OLMT chugs on track of friendship

Chinese experts help operate Pakistan’s first rail transit system

Okasha, a 24-year-old electrical engineer, finds immense pride in steering the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) in Lahore, a project realised under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"It's a wonderful experience. I am so proud to serve my nation by driving Pakistan's first-ever mass rapid urban transit train service," he shared with Xinhua.

As an early achievement of the CPEC initiative, the Orange Line project, jointly constructed by China Railway Group Corporation and China North Industries Corporation, commenced operations on October 25, 2020, in Lahore.

Okasha has been an integral part of the project for the past three years, having undergone a rigorous six-month training course facilitated by Chinese instructors, focusing on technical proficiency and safety protocols.

"We are trained to anticipate and manage various fault or crisis situations efficiently," Okasha emphasised, underscoring their readiness to handle operational challenges independently.

OLMT Operations Planning Manager Haseeb Ahmed Janjua lauded the guidance provided by Chinese experts, affirming the competence of Pakistani staff in efficiently operating the country's inaugural modern rail transit system.

Read: Solarisation of OLMT planned

With 1,119 days of safe and stable operation since its inauguration till the end of last year, the OLMT has facilitated over 323,000 train journeys, covering a staggering distance of 40.89 million kilometres and serving approximately 130 million passengers.

"The Orange Line has transformed commuting in Lahore. What used to take me 40 to 45 minutes by road now merely takes 15 minutes," shared Shanzay Fatima, a 24-year-old student who commutes daily via the train service.

Echoing similar sentiments, a middle-aged businessman highlighted the significant reduction in his commute time, emphasising the cost-effectiveness and cleanliness of the Orange Line compared to other modes of transport.

Janjua emphasised the project's role in providing affordable transportation options, particularly benefiting low-income individuals amidst economic challenges.

The project's efficiency metrics, boasting 99.99% punctuality and adherence to advanced international operating standards, underscore its success. app

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th 2024.