Lahore Metro

The Lahore Metro was first proposed in 1991 and reviewed in 1993 by the Lahore Traffic & Transport Studies, funded by the World Bank. The project was subsequently shelved.[2] In 2005, the Ministry of Transport revisited the project and carried out a feasibility study. In 2007, the Asian Development Bank provided Rs. 1 billion (US$3.5 million) to conduct a study on the project.[3] The initial plan called for an 82 km (51 mi) rail network with 60 stations to be constructed in four separate phases. The first phase involved the construction of a 27 km (17 mi) rail line between Gajju Matta and Shahdara Bagh, with an 11.6 km (7.2 mi) section underground. Construction was expected to start in 2008 and be completed by 2010.[3] However, in 2008, the project was shelved again as priorities shifted to other projects.[4]

In June 2010, Malaysia-based Scomi International proposed a US $1.15 billion monorail alternative, but that was not approved.[3] At a ceremony in May 2014, an agreement was signed by Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, alongside President Mamnoon Hussain and Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping, which gave the go-ahead for the construction of the Orange Line. The project was estimated to cost $1.6 billion.[5]

The line has 26 stations. Anarkali and Central stations are underground, while the remaining 24 are elevated.[7] The rail line runs through the centre of each station, with platforms flanking the track.[8] Elevated stations have a width of 22.5 metres, while Anarkali Station is 16 metres wide, and Central Station 49.5 metres wide.[9] Elevated stations are all 102 metres long, while Anarkali and Central Stations are 121.5 and 161.6 metres long, respectively.[10]

Anarkali and Central Stations were initially planned to have two underground levels,[11] Anarkali Station now both feature a ground-level concourse with one underground level, while Central Station has a single underground level, in order reduce the maximum gradient for trains from 35% to 30%.[12] Rail tracks are 9.7m below street level at Central Station, and 8.7m below street level at Anarkali Station.[13]

Underground stations feature automated doors between platforms and trains. Public areas of the station are air-conditioned during warm months.[14] Elevated stations feature natural ventilation throughout the platforms, with localised air conditioning in public areas of the ticket-hall level.[15]

Orange Line trains are each composed of five wagons manufactured by China's CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive,[16] and automated and driverless.[17] A standard Chinese "Type B" train-set consisting of 5 cars with 4 doors each used,[18] that has a stainless steel body and illuminated by LED lighting.[19] Each car has a nominal capacity of 200 seated and standing passengers at an average density of 5 persons per square metre with 20% of passengers seated and 80% standing.[20] A total of 27 trains with 135 cars have been ordered for the system,[21] at a cost of $1 billion.[22] A total of 54 trains are expected to be in service by 2025.[22] The train is powered by a 750-volt third rail.[23][22]

Orange Line Metro rail pillar

The Orange Line's tracks meet China's national standards,[24] and employ jointless track circuits.[25] Mainline track is capable of supporting 60 kg/m, while track in the depot and storage yards is capable of supporting 50 kg/m.[26] Track was laid upon a monolithic concrete track bed, with crossovers located between every 2 to 3 stations.[27] Double turnover tracks are used at each terminus for turnaround.[28] Track is standard gauge at 1435mm.[29] Fasteners between tracks are elastic.[30]

A depot was constructed at the northeast portion of the line, directly east of the Lahore Ring Road,[31] while a stabling yard was constructed at the line's southern terminus at Ali Town.[32] The depot is also the site of the Orange Line's central control centre.[33] The depot and stabling yard respectively required 0.56 and 0.49 kilometres of track.[34]

• Lahore Metro Bus
• Karachi Circular Railway
• Pakistan Railways
• Transport in Pakistan

• Mughal, Owais (2007-08-20). "Lahore Rapid Mass Transit Rail Project". All Things Pakistan.
• "Lahore mass transit system". DAWN. Pakistan. 2007-07-12.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lahore Metro.

• Lahore Guide