By Wu Siya

 

LAHORE, Sept. 30 (Gwadar Pro)- The next train will arrive in 5 minutes. Looking from the platform of Lahore University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Station on the Orange Line, a red, white and orange light is getting closer and closer. In September 2024 the total passenger flow of this line exceeded 200 million.

 

 

The Orange Line subway, which has a length of 27 kilometers and 26 stations, was jointly constructed by China Railway Group Corporation and China North Industries Corporation under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Lahore. It was put into operation on Oct. 25, 2020.

 

The unveiling ceremony of the 200 million passenger-carrying was held last week at Anarkali Station. “The Orange Line is not only a major landmark, but also an important livelihood project. With the cooperation of the Chinese and Pakistani teams, more than 2,000 jobs have been created for the local area. I firmly believe that the operation of the Orange Line Metro will get better and better," said Jiang Zaidong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, in a speech.

 

“I take the Orange Line Metro every day now. The stations and carriages are comfortable and safe, as well as the trains are very punctual." Aurangzeb Khan, a student at the UET, told the reporter that he used to take a private car to school every day, which was quite expensive.

 

Safdar Husain, an advocate at Lahore High Court, who is a frequent commuter of the metro service. So far as he was concerned, the Orange Line has boosted economic development along the line, with many vendors are willing to open shops near the subway to do business. “I hope that the two countries could continue to cooperate in building other similar projects to further promote Pakistan’s economic development.”

 

Office worker Adnan feels the same way. “After opening of the subway, people from all walks of life have come to ride it, which has greatly changed the means of travel. It is especially popular among people with disabilities and the elderly.”

 

“As a female, I appreciate the security and convenience it offers,” said Mariam, a college student, “it efficiently connects one end of Lahore to the other, reducing the need for personal vehicles and consequently decreasing pollution.”

 

The Orange Line has been operating safely for 47 months, with train punctuality and fulfillment rates at the industry’s leading level. The total passenger flow exceeded 10 million on March 12, 2021, and exceeded 200 million in September 2024.