Orange Line Metro Train set to start test run.

Byline: Ashraf Javed

LAHORE -- Authorities are giving final touches to a beautification campaign as the first Orange Line Metro Train is all set to begin test run in the provincial metropolis this week.

An official on Sunday told The Nation that the test run on the much-awaited transport project would be conducted on Monday (today) while the formal launching of the project may take another three to four months. He said the beautification drive alongside the route and around the substations was in full swing.

Workers, last week, were seen planting trees and flowers on the main crossings and especially-designed overhead bridges located alongside the train's route. The construction work on roads beneath the bridges has also been completed.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar chaired a high level meeting to review the progress on the mass-transit project last week in Lahore. The chief minister was informed that the construction work on 13 substations (from Dera Gujran to Anarkali) had been completed and the train will become operational for its maiden run on test trial basis by high-voltage electricity on Monday.

The CM was also informed that that the work on 11 other substations would be done by November and after completion of work on these stations, the test trial for running of train by electricity on the complete track will be conducted.

Sardar Usman Buzdar directed the authorities to launch the project for the benefit of people as early as possible. He also announced that the train fare would be fixed keeping in mind the purchasing power of the ordinary people. It is expected that the train would be formally launched in March next year. PM Imran Khan is most likely to inaugurate project for which the original deadline was December 25, 2017.

The 27.1-km long route comprises of 26 substations including two underground stations with 27 train sets (5 cars/train set). The work on the depot established at Dera Gujran has also been completed and it would have operation control center, workshops with overhauling facility, training center, and parking facility.

At Ali Town station, a stabling yard has been established where washing, minor repair, and parking facilities would also be available.

In April, the government successfully held the first test run of Orange Line Metro Train . The test run was conducted from Dera Gujran to Ali Town at the speed of 10/km per hour to in order test the whole track and the efficiency of the vehicle.

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