Initial Proposal Puts Orange Line Metro Train Fares Between PKR 40 to 50

[Mark-x]

The Lahore Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) has finally entered its testing phase. The OLMT has faced many delays in its development stage. As the testing phase has started, the Punjab Finance Department has begun to draft a fare plan for the OLMT.

The initial proposal drafted by the Finance Department has set the OLMT initial fares between PKR 40 to 50. The OLMT is poised to be the first modern mass transit system to operate in Pakistan, and it will be the first of its kind in Pakistan. The general public will be able to avail of this service from March 2020 onwards. The entire length of the track is completed and is energized to be functional for the testing phase. 

The testing phase will go on for at least three months, during which there will be testing of various systems, training drivers, and safety audits. The joint venture of two Chinese companies China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCCI) and China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO), has the contract for maintenance and operations of OLMT.However, this Chinese joint venture has not yet taken over the operations of OLMT. Currently, Chinese engineers are testing the technical aspects of the OLMT. 

Trains are also being tested on diesel fuel, which will be used in the case of a power outage or emergency. The Supreme Court has given the deadline of January 2020 to the Punjab Government to initiate the daily functioning of the OLMT. The OLMT started back in 2014, and the development works have been going on since then. The OLMT will complete its entire path in 45 minutes. 

There are a total of 27 trains in the entire OLMT system. Attached to each train will be five bogies, each having a seating capacity of 60. Special seats are dedicated to women, senior citizens, and special persons. According to forecasts, the OLMT will be facilitating some 500,000 passengers daily in the near future.

The OLMT will pass through the most densely po[CENSORED]ted areas of Lahore, where people want to commute to work or educational institutions on a convenient transport system. There is also a public address system to facilitate the passengers regarding when the next training is coming etc. 

After it is operational, the OLMT will connect Lahore Junction Railway Station, Raiwind, Multan Road, Mcleod Road, and the Grand Trunk Road. The new PTI government has removed the subsidy of the previous government. However, we hope that the fares of the OLMT are low so that an average passenger can easily travel in comfort.