Islamabad, Feb 22: The Punjab government has initiated the feasibility and design phase for the Blue Line Metro Train project, a transformative addition to Lahore’s public transportation network. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan to accelerate the process, ensuring that preliminary work is completed swiftly.
The 27-kilometer route will connect Valencia Town to Babu Sabu Chowk, passing through key areas such as Johar Town, Faisal Town, Garden Town, Kalma Chowk, Gulberg Main Boulevard, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, and Allama Iqbal Town. This metro line is expected to accommodate over 250,000 daily passengers, significantly easing congestion on Lahore’s roads and providing a modern, efficient alternative for commuters.
With a projected completion timeline of three years, the project will employ advanced construction techniques, including tunneling at a rate of six meters per day. The estimated cost of the Blue Line Metro Train exceeds Rs600 billion, though the final budget will be determined after the feasibility and design phases are finalized. The Punjab Transport Department has been actively engaging with international financial institutions from China, Japan, and France, which have expressed keen interest in funding the project.
Previous studies conducted in 2016 considered both elevated and underground options. However, the most recent analysis in June 2024 confirmed that an entirely underground route is both feasible and beneficial for the city’s infrastructure. The government’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility is reflected in this ambitious initiative, aiming to modernize Lahore’s public transport system while reducing environmental impact.
As feasibility work progresses, stakeholders and the public eagerly anticipate further details on the implementation strategy, financing agreements, and construction timeline, marking a major step toward transforming Lahore’s urban mobility landscape.
