Lahore Metro | |||
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Overview | |||
Owner | Government of Punjab | ||
Locale | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan | ||
Transit type | Rapid transit | ||
Number of lines | 1 completed (2 planned) | ||
Number of stations | 26 | ||
Annual ridership | 20 million (2020-2021) [1] | ||
Operation | |||
Began operation | 25 October 2020 | ||
Operator(s) | Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Guangzhou Metro | ||
Technical | |||
System length | 27.1 km (16.8 mi) | ||
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge | ||
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Lahore Metro is an automated rapid transit system in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and the first driverless metro in Pakistan. Three metro lines have been proposed, of which the Orange Line is operational. It is also Pakistan's first metro line system.
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 Orange Line has a length of 27.1 kilometres (16.8 mi) and became operational on 25 October 2020. [6]
The Blue Line is a proposed 24-kilometre (15 mi) line from Chauburji to College Road, Township.[ citation needed ]
The Purple Line is a proposed 32-kilometre (20 mi) airport rail link.[ citation needed ]
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]
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]
Transport in Pakistan is extensive and varied, and serves a population of over 212.2 million people. In recent years, new national highways have been built, with the addition of motorways which have improved trade and logistics within the country. Pakistan's rail network owned by Pakistan Railways is also undergoing expansion in recent years. Airports and seaports have been built with the addition of foreign and domestic funding. Transportation challenges in developing countries like Pakistan are escalating due to poor planning, inadequate governance, and corrupt practices. Consequently, these nations are grappling with a significant crisis in their transportation systems.
Lahore is the captial and largest city of the Pakistani province of Punjab. It is the second largest city in Pakistan, after Karachi, and 26th largest in the world, with a population of over 13 million. It is located in the north-eastern region of Punjab, along the River Ravi. Lahore is one of Pakistan's major industrial and economic hubs. It has been the historic capital and cultural centre of the wider Punjab region, and is one of Pakistan's most socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities.
Pakistan Railways is the national, state-owned railway company of Pakistan in Lahore. Founded in 1861 as the North Western State Railway and headquartered in Lahore, it owns 7,791 kilometres of operational track across Pakistan, stretching from Torkham to Karachi, offering both freight and passenger services, covering 625 stations across Pakistan.
CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. is one of the electric locomotive manufacturers in China. It is one of the subsidiaries of CRRC.
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There are several modes of transport available in Lahore.
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Orange Line is an automated rapid transit line in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and the first driverless metro in Pakistan. It is operated by the Punjab Mass Transit Authority and forms part of the Lahore Metro system. The line is Pakistan's first metro train. The line spans 27.1 km (16.8 mi) with 25.4 km (15.8 mi) elevated and 1.72 km (1.1 mi) underground. The line is served by 26 stations and is expected to handle 250,000 passenger daily.
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Anarkali is a rapid transit station serving the Orange Line of the Lahore Metro in Lahore, Pakistan. It is one of the two underground stations on the Orange Line.
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