Punjab to Launch Blue Line Metro Train Project Soon

The Punjab government has officially initiated the development of the Blue Line Metro Train project, a significant addition to Lahore’s mass transit system. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed the Provincial Transport Minister, Bilal Akbar Khan, to fast-track the feasibility and design phases to ensure the swift completion of this ambitious project.

The Blue Line Metro Train will span 27 kilometers, connecting Valencia Town to Babu Sabu Chowk. The route will pass through vital areas of the city, including Johar Town, Faisal Town, Garden Town, Kalma Chowk, Gulberg Main Boulevard, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, and Allama Iqbal Town. Once completed, the train is expected to provide daily transportation for over 250,000 passengers, easing congestion and improving accessibility across the city.

The provincial government has set a target of three years to complete the Blue Line Metro project, and advanced technology and heavy machinery will be employed to ensure its timely construction. Tunneling work for the project is progressing at an impressive rate of six meters per day. The estimated cost of the project exceeds Rs 600 billion, though the final budget will be confirmed once the feasibility and design reports are completed.

International financial institutions from China, Japan, and France have shown interest in financing the Blue Line Metro project. This follows extensive studies conducted by the Punjab Transport Department, including a 2016 study by Japan’s JICA and Turkey’s Osmani agency that initially proposed a 12-kilometer underground section. A more recent transport study in June 2024 has since deemed the entire Blue Line route feasible as a fully underground project.

The inclusion of the Blue Line Metro Train in Lahore’s mass transit system was officially announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz just two days ago, underscoring the government’s strong commitment to enhancing urban transportation infrastructure and providing modern, efficient public transit solutions for the citizens of Lahore.