AT LONG last, Lahore’s Orange Line Metro train (OLMT) project reaches its completion as test runs have begun on the 27 kilometre track. The train, which successfully ran from Ali Town to Dera Gujjran, has been approved by the project administration prior to its formal inauguration by the Chief Minister in December.
Irrespective of the politically motivated propaganda against the project, the fact remains that completion of this modern and state-of-the-art service would be a welcome addition as far as availability of rapid and decent modes of transportation for people of Lahore is concerned. It is expected that about three hundred and fifty thousand passengers would benefit from the project daily and going by this number it becomes a train for all. We believe that the tendency of creating controversies around welfare and developmental projects should come to an end as these are needs of the time. Metros are there in major cities of the world for decades contributing immensely to resolution of their traffic problem but here attempts are made to deny fruits of modern facilities to the common man. Similar objections were raised against Metro Bus Service, which is running successfully in three cities of Punjab and has become a way of life, rather a necessity of life. Introduction of these services has enabled commuters especially women to reach their destination quickly, safely and comfortably.