ISLAMABA: The Lahore Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT), Pakistan’s first and only metro system, has successfully maintained a record of zero safety incidents while carrying more than 260 million passengers over the past five years, according to its operating consortium.
Stretching 25.58 km across Lahore, the line has achieved an impressive 99.9 percent punctuality and schedule fulfillment rate. Launched in October 2020 under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the project stands as a flagship of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. It was designed, manufactured, and constructed by Chinese firms, and is operated by a consortium comprising Guangzhou Metro, NORINCO International, and Daewoo Express.
Before the metro’s launch, commuting across Lahore often took over two hours by road. Today, the same journey takes just 45 minutes. With a minimum fare of 25 rupees (USD 0.09), the Orange Line has become the preferred choice for commuters. Daily ridership has surged from fewer than 70,000 in 2021 to around 210,000 at present.
Beyond infrastructure, the project has emphasized local capacity building. According to Li Yutao, deputy director of Guangzhou Metro’s marketing department, the consortium has issued 126 operational standards and built Pakistan’s first modern rail transit professional team. Currently, 98 percent of the workforce is local, with more than 1,000 Pakistani staff employed. Eight have been recognized as “Outstanding Staff of the CPEC Projects.”
The metro has also become a magnet for young professionals. “For one rolling stock maintenance position, we received over 2,000 applications,” said Wang Zhiwen, general manager of the Rolling Stock Department. Partnerships have been established with institutions including the Punjab Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority and the Punjab Tianjin University of Technology to train future rail experts.
The OLMT has further generated significant economic opportunities, creating more than 1,000 indirect jobs in materials, equipment, and logistics, along with another 1,000 in catering, tourism, and commerce. Development around metro stations has produced nearly 1,400 direct jobs and tens of thousands of related opportunities.
In recognition of its impact, the project received the Common Prosperity Contributor Award in 2023, marking CPEC’s 10th anniversary, as well as the Brands Icon of Pakistan Award.Courtney/Xinhua
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