Lahore Metro


Lahore Metro is an automated rapid transit system under construction in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Three metro lines have been proposed, of which the Orange Line is under construction, when completed it will become Pakistan's first metro line since the Karachi Metro that was started in 1969 and closed in 1999. A service was started in 1884 in Karachi but was closed in 1975 because of some reasons.

History

The Lahore Metro was first proposed in 1991 and reviewed again in 1993 by the Lahore Traffic & Transport Studies, funded by the World Bank. The project was subsequently shelved. In 2005, the Ministry of Transport revisited the project and carried out a feasibility study. In 2007, the Asian Development Bank provided to conduct a study on the project. The initial plan called for an rail network with 60 stations to be constructed in four separate phases. The first phase involved the construction of a rail line between Gajju Matta and Shahdara Bagh, with an section underground. Construction was expected to start in 2008 and be completed by 2010. However, in 2008, the project was shelved again as priorities shifted to other projects. In June 2010, Malaysia based Scomi International proposed a US $1.15 billion monorail–based alternative, however the project was not approved. In May 2014, an agreement was signed so that the construction of the Orange Line could begin. Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif signed the agreement at a ceremony alongside President Mamnoon Hussain and China's paramount leader Xi Jinping. The project is estimated to cost $1.6 billion.

Lines

Orange Line

The Orange Line is a line under construction. The Orange Line will be long, of which will be elevated.

Blue Line

The Blue Line is a proposed line from Chauburji to College Road, Township.

Purple Line

The Purple Line is a proposed 32 km Airport rail link.