Punjab Accelerates Work on Pakistan's First Fully Underground Metro Service in Lahore
The Punjab Transport Department has officially commenced comprehensive preparations to launch Pakistan's inaugural fully underground metro service, known as the Blue Line, in Lahore. According to official sources within the Transport Department, the project is progressing rapidly, with feasibility and design phases being expedited, and practical groundwork already initiated in collaboration with the Lahore Development Authority (LDA).
Government Directives and Project Timeline
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has issued clear instructions to the provincial transport minister, emphasizing the need for prompt completion of the feasibility and design work. Once finalized, the forthcoming report will provide detailed insights into the project's total costs, potential financing models, and a precise construction timeline. The feasibility study for the extensive 27-kilometer Blue Line is currently in an advanced preparation stage, marking a critical step toward realization.
Route Details and Passenger Capacity
The proposed Blue Line route will operate entirely underground, stretching from Valencia Town to Babu Sabu Chowk. This strategic path will cover key urban areas, including Johar Town, Faisal Town, Garden Town, Kalma Chowk, Gulberg, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, Wahdat Road, and Allama Iqbal Town. Upon completion, which is projected within a three-year timeframe, the metro service is expected to have a daily capacity of over 250,000 passengers, significantly enhancing Lahore's public transportation infrastructure.
This initiative represents a major advancement in urban mobility for Pakistan, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and provide a reliable transit option for residents. The collaboration between the Transport Department and LDA underscores a committed effort to modernize Lahore's transport network, with the Blue Line poised to set a new standard for underground metro systems in the country.
