Source: Xinhua News Agency
Pakistan on Wednesday madea test run of its first metro train service in Lahore, the capital of thecountry's eastern Punjab province, from Dera Gujran to Lakshmi Chowk on a 12-kmportion of the total 27.1-km route.
According to a statementfrom the Punjab government, Shahbaz Sharif, chief minister of Punjab,inaugurated the test run of the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT), which has beentested once earlier.
"The OLMT isPakistan's first mass rapid transit train project launched by the Punjabgovernment. It will prove to be a real game changer for the people of Lahoreand Punjab, who will experience a comfortable, secure and economical travelingfacility," said the statement.
The test run was free ofcost for travelers. The chief minister also took a tour of the train along withChinese consular general in Lahore and senior officials of the Punjabgovernment.
"The OLMT projectwill transform people's lives. The project will become the basis of aninteraction between different classes of society by creating a sense ofequality and ownership in social terms," said the chief minister.
A total of 27 sets oftrains, each comprising five cars, will be used for the service in the project,a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
An energy-saving air-conditioningsystem suitable for the constant high summer temperature and unstable voltagein Lahore is the main trait of the train, said the officials, adding that thetrain has heat-resistant bogies, which will increase its durability.
The OLMT is the first ofthe three rail lines of the proposed Lahore Metro project that is expected totransport half a million people daily. The OLMT, with operating speed of 80 kmper hour, is expected to be used by up to 250,000 passengers a day at 26stations.
Out of the total line, a25.4-km section is to be elevated, while a 1.72-km section will be underground,and 0.7 km of the track will be laid in the transition zone between elevatedand underground sections.
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