Year 2017: Delays in the Orange Line train project
The project's completion was scheduled for December 31 this year. Photo: DGPR
(Dunya News) – One of the country’s largest projects - the Orange Line train project, which promised to connect countless commuters from different parts of Lahore, failed to complete in the year 2017 as per its schedule.
However, while the cost of the project increased due to delays and incomplete construction, the residents also remained affected.
The estimated budget set for the Orange Line train, which was formally launched on October 25, 2015, was Rs. 164 billion initially. Amid the criticism from civil society and appreciation from within the ruling circles, as work on the project initiated, everything on the 27.1 km wide road stretch was left disturbed, making it difficult for the commuters passing through the route. Some of these problems for commuters continue to this day.
A view of under construction Orange Line Metro Train Project at GT Road. Photo: APP
The civil society also protested against the construction of the Orange Line train citing concerns over harm it caused to nearby historical sites as well as contribution to environmental pollution.
As per the orders by the high court construction was halted at 11 sites where historical buildings were situated. For one year and 10 months, construction remain halted at these sites but now following court orders work has resumed – something which has given citizens a sigh of relief.
A view of under construction Orange Line Metro Train Project at GT Road. Photo: APP
The project’s completion was scheduled for December 31 this year, though with the construction coming to a stop at several points, not only did this result in creating difficulties during commuting but also increased the ultimate cost of the project, which is now being estimated at Rs. 240 billion.
Despite continuous delays, there is still a ray of hope. The project is now expected to an end over the next 6 to 8 months.
According to authorities, 78 per cent of the work has been completed, and the sites where the work had stopped has resumed with three shifts working round the clock to complete the project.
For more on this watch a report by Dunya News below.
