The Punjab government has officially commenced the development of Lahore’s inaugural totally underground metro train line, the Blue Line. This 27-kilometer route will link Valencia Town to Babu Sabu Chowk, passing through significant localities including Johar Town, Faisal Town, Garden Town, Kalma Chowk, Gulberg Main Boulevard, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, and Allama Iqbal Town.
The initiative aims to improve urban transportation and is projected to accommodate more than 250,000 passengers per day.
Under the instruction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Provincial Transport Department has initiated feasibility studies and design planning. The work is scheduled for completion within three years, with an estimated cost above Rs600 billion.
Advanced tunneling technology will be utilized, targeting a progress rate of up to six meters daily. International financial institutions from China, Japan, and France have indicated interest in financing the project, underscoring its importance in updating Lahore’s public transportation infrastructure.
This endeavor represents a pivotal advancement in Lahore’s transportation history, evolving from the current Orange Line, predominantly elevated with a minor underground segment, to a fully subterranean system.
The Blue Line is set to mitigate traffic congestion, decrease journey durations, and offer an environmentally sustainable transit option for the city’s inhabitants.
The government’s support to this initiative highlights its dedication to sustainable urban growth and enhanced quality of life for Lahore’s residents.
