Lahore: Rapid Mass Transit System [Archive]

Edwardes

June 17th, 2007, 05:06 AM

http://lahore.metblogs.com/archives/images/2006/03/20060314_02.jpg

LAHORE: MVA Asia, a Hong Kong-based engineering company, has proposed constructing three more lines for the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System (LRMTS) because of the constantly increasing traffic in the city, senior Punjab government sources told Daily Times on Monday.

Initially, MVA Asia was given the contract to prepare the technical feasibility of the transit system's Green Line whose construction cost was estimated at about $2 billion, sources said, adding that MVA Asia had planned to design the Green Line covering an area of 27 kilometres from Shahdara to Kahna.

The four lines that LRMTS planned were based on an elevated and underground system, which would connect all areas of the city, sources said.

The elevated portion of the Green Line would start from Shahdara, will pass through Ravi Road, Data Gunj Buksh shrine, Lower Mall, The Mall, Queens Road and Ferozepur Road near Kalma Chowk, sources said, adding that the underground portion would begin from Kalama Chowk, pass through Model Town I and II, General Hospital and end at Kahna.

Green Line's proposed design included 19 stops including Shahdara, Timber Market, Bhaati Gate, Lahore Museum, Regal Chowk, Ganga Ram Hospital, Mozang Chungi, Ichhra, Wahdat Road, Gaddafi Stadium, Kalma Chowk, Model Town I and II and Kahna, sources added.

Train stations on the elevated route would be designed like overhead bridges while train stations on the underground route would have two entranceways and two exits, sources said, adding that MVA Asia was studying the London and New Delhi underground systems.

They also said the engineering company had designed the other three proposed lines. According to the design, a second line would start from Thokar Niaz Baig and would end at Daroghanwala, covering about 22 kilometres, sources said.

From Thokar, the proposed line would be elevated and would pass through Mansoora, Multan Road, Lake Road, Lakshami Chowk and Railway Station from where the line's underground portion would begin, passing through Tezab Ahatha, Bhagwanpura, University of Engineering and Technology, Shalimar Gardens and Daroghanwala, sources added.

The third line would start from Chauburji and end at College Road, sources said, adding that from Chauburji the line would pass through Mozang Chungi, Shadman Chowk, Jail Road, Mian Boulevard Gulberg, Mian Boulevard Garden Town, Faisal Town and end at College Road, sources said.

The fourth line would start from Bhaati Chowk and end at Allama Iqbal International Airport. The line would pass through Bhaati Chowk, Brandreth Road, Railway Station, Allama Iqbal Road, Dharampura, Ghazi Road and end at Allama Iqbal International Airport, sources added.

The Green Line would facilitate about 350,000 people, sources said, adding that the project's technical study would be completed by the end of May 2006. They said that to facilitate Lahoris the Punjab government had also started the Ring Road project.

The Punjab Transport Department is supervising the project while NESPAK is providing technical help on the Ring Road project. The Punjab Communications and Works Department is managing the Ring Road project.

Sources said that to avoid technical differences between both projects Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi had asked the Punjab Planning and Development Department to coordinate between the C&W and Transport Departments.

A mass transit system for Lahore has been the focus of discussion in government circles for many years. The feasibility of a light rail transit system was made by Japanese development organisation JICA in 1991 during Nawaz Sharif's term as prime minister. It had proposed a 13-kilometre-long system. The study was reviewed and updated as part of the World Bank funded "Lahore traffic and transport studies" in 1993.

The system's cost was estimated at about $400 million, but with better network coverage. In 1995 Japan proposed financing the original scheme with grants and loans of about $495 million, but the project could not be implemented due to many reasons.

PakiDoperz

June 17th, 2007, 05:49 AM

thats a very old newwwwwwwwws man n i think its already in some threads of mehfil pakistan... didnt needed a new thread for this thing.

Edwardes

June 17th, 2007, 06:16 AM

^I didn't find a thread on it when I searched.

Looks like another proposal which won't happen for another 10 years.

I think the only way we can get this done is if both Karachi and Lahore make this into a game...the first city to finish it's MTS wins the ages old "Karachi vs Lahore/Best City in Pakistan" contest

:lol:

zees

June 17th, 2007, 08:40 AM

transistorized

June 17th, 2007, 10:10 AM

Loan for Lahore rapid transit has already approved

What happened after that?

zees

June 17th, 2007, 10:13 AM

What happened after that?

According to some reports, work will start in July

vc15nets

June 29th, 2007, 08:23 PM

Just saw the news on Geo....they showed a rendering and a new map for the green line.

The only source online was posted on UPK by Waseem:

Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System to be introduced soon
SAFDAR RASHID

LAHORE (June 29 2007): The Punjab Transport Department will introduce Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System (LRMTS) to provide international standard intra-city travelling facilities to the passengers of the metropolis with the cost of 2.4 billion dollars.

This mega project will be completed till 2020 and its first green track will be accomplished till 2012.The green track will stretch over 27-killometer track. This was stated by Chairman Planning and Development Suleman Ghani while talking to media men after addressing a seminar regarding the Lahore Rapid Mass Transport System, held here at a local hotel on Thursday. He said that the completion of the green track is the first and foremost priority of the Punjab government and after its accomplishment, better, fast and safe travelling facilities would be available for the common people.

He further said that Lahore was the second largest urban centre in Pakistan. In mid 2006 government estimates put the population at around 9 million people which places Lahore in the top 30 of the world's largest cities, he added. The population is growing rapidly and 30 percent of the workforce is employed in construction and car ownership is rising at 10-15 percent per annum, he pointed out.

He said that there are currently some 13.5 million daily commuters using various modes of transport. The public transport system of Lahore has not kept pace with the growing number of travellers, with the result that private car travelling is outstripping the highway network capacity and congestion is increasing on every passing day.

Consequently, attention is now focused on developing high quality; rail based rapid mass transit solutions for the city, he maintained.

The Regional Director and transport consultant Mazhar Iqbal while talking to Business Recorder said that after the completion of this project more than 200,000 people would travel daily through green track which would start from Humza Town to Shahdra Town and total route would be 27 km, he maintained.

Chairman P&D Suleman Ghani talking to this scribe said that according to feasibility report, the project had to be completed by 2012 but "we are trying our best to complete it in 2011, because the World Cup would be held in 2012 and before this we have to complete it," he observed.

The Secretary Transport Agha Nadeem, head of Provincial Transport Authority Khalid Mehmood Mehla and Regional Transport Secretary Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal and representatives of the various transport related departments and foreign consultants from various countries are also participating in the seminar.

:banana: :cheers:

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=584736&currPageNo=2&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

huit

June 29th, 2007, 10:51 PM

^ the freakin' guy doesn't know that the next world cup would take place in 2011!

Sikandar

June 30th, 2007, 02:11 AM

^ the freakin' guy doesn't know that the next world cup would take place in 2011!

Yeah, and early 2011 at that! February/March are the expected months.. well at least it may give them some incentive to actually complete this on time.. inshAllah I will be in Lahore to see that World Cup personally!

Edwardes

June 30th, 2007, 11:24 AM

I'll believe it when I see it

Mercenary

July 3rd, 2007, 02:19 AM

^^ before we build a Subway in Lahore, we need to overhaul our electric, sewage and water grids....

We can't have load shedding effecting the subway and thus they need to have seperate power lines...

the subway will have to be build deep underground which means a major overhaul of the city's sewage system

and this could also effect the water pipelines in the city and they have to be fixed as well

this looks like a mammoth project

mrfix

July 3rd, 2007, 04:50 AM

http://www.jang.net/jm/7-1-2007/images/01_03.gif

if this happens to our underpass, I wonder what will happen to subways when it rains?

MarcoJ

July 3rd, 2007, 05:35 AM

Pakistan should Advance its Sewage system as its economy is booming....plus even the transit system is on the way in 3-4 years

Sikandar

July 3rd, 2007, 11:09 AM

Pakistan should Advance its Sewage system as its economy is booming....plus even the transit system is on the way in 3-4 years

They probably "chalked up" a plan to develop a modernized sewage network, which all but stopped when they couldn't figure out where to put the plaque. Seriously though, a modernized sewage system is getting close to becoming a top priority now.. if anyone could share any information on this issue in the form of future projects or the current situation, please do!

vc15nets

July 7th, 2007, 05:42 AM

LRMT fares for 2011 — Kahna to Shahdara Rs 140?
* Bus fares from Kahna to Shahdara in 2011 expected at Rs 30

By Mansab Dogar

LAHORE: Passengers of the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT) would be charged Rs 125 to Rs 140 to travel from one end to the other of the 27 kilometre-long transport system.

Sources associated with the project told Daily Times on Thursday that this one-side fare had been calculated after taking into account the rendered $2.5 billion cost of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2011. Sources said that to pay back the loan likely to be incurred on the LRMT project, the government would have to charge high fares from the passengers. Currently, the public transport fare from Kahna to Shahdara is between Rs 20 to 25. By 2011, it would rise between Rs 25 and Rs 30. They said that to charge a passenger of the LRMT Rs 30 for a one-side visit, the government would have to give a subsidy of at least Rs 100 per person, which was not possible for the government. Sources said that under the previous arrangement, according to which the project was to be carried out on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis with financial assistance of the Japanese Government in the shape of a soft loan, repayable over a period of 40 years, the project cost had been estimated at $500 million.

Sources said that with this estimate, the fare from one end to the other had been calculated at Rs 21 per person. They said that the project cost had now been revised and increased and the government had taken loans instead of soft loans under the BOT arrangement. Therefore, the fares too would now be increased and there was no possibility that per-visit fare would remain below Rs 125, sources told Daily Times. They said that considering these fares, the project would have to face severe criticism and force the government to take more loans for its maintenance.

Sources said that with the current pace of work on the project, it would be very difficult to complete it by 2011. They added that if the government extended the project beyond 2011, which it would have to, the cost would go up further, forcing the government to raise the fares more. The LRMT project was prepared in 1996 during the regime of Benazir Bhutto by the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA). The Japanese government, after approval from its cabinet, had agreed to finance the project on BOT basis. Now the government has planned to LRMT through soliciting loans from different sources.

Transport Secretary Agha Nadeem told Daily Times that the government had proposed the fare from one end to the other of the LRMT between Rs 10 and 22. Asked that this fare was proposed under the previous arrangement and the project cost had now quadrupled, he said, “Ask the people objecting to its viability to run it”. He said that currently, the Punjab government was funding the project itself. Asked that the Transport Department did not have engineers for such a huge public project requiring professional expertise of the highest order, he said that recently, the department had hired seven consultants for the project. He said that pilot project would be launched by 2011.

The provincial government had earmarked Rs 640 million for the second phase in its 2007-08 budget, following successful completion of the project’s first phase in March 2007. Various studies had been conducting in the first phase of the project and the second stage would include its designing and the setting up of its workshops and depots. The government has also planned to construct the base station at this stage of the project.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C07%5C07%5Cstory_7-7-2007_pg13_2

Mercenary

July 7th, 2007, 09:36 AM

^^ 125 to 140 Rupees

no poor lahori can afford that.....

Edwardes

July 7th, 2007, 05:31 PM

No poor Lahori will afford that, people in Pakistan who unfortunatly are not well off cannot even take the bus! They instead opt for vans.

The only people I see using this system are the wealthy and middle class folk who live around the peripheries of the city (Model Town, Garden Town, Defence, Gulberg etc...). And it depends, if the system is reliable (i.e gets you from point A to point B fast) then I think it's worth it.

Rs. 140 = $2.30 US

What are the rates for metro systems in the US commonly?

Edwardes

July 7th, 2007, 05:35 PM

Seriously though, a modernized sewage system is getting close to becoming a top priority now..

:ohno: The sewage system in our cities is pityful I have no idea how in God's name they are going to overhaul and build a modern system! Does Islamabad have a sewage system?

NewYork-wala

July 7th, 2007, 05:37 PM

125-140 Rupees is higher then what we pay in New York... I mean thats like $2.50 per ride compared with $1.50 here in NY! People consider that expensive for a train ride in NY, but in Lahore it would way to much!

If they cant make it much much cheaper, the project will be a complete failure... I hope they dont proceed unless they can resolve this issue somehow, because it seems like a waste otherwise if majority cant afford the system.

Edwardes

July 7th, 2007, 05:42 PM

Will the Lahore Metro be a profit making scheme or just a city service? Most metros in the west are NOT profit making is that true?

UnitedPakistan

July 7th, 2007, 06:04 PM

Sikandar

July 7th, 2007, 08:57 PM

Will the Lahore Metro be a profit making scheme or just a city service? Most metros in the west are NOT profit making is that true?

Yes that's true.. I think almost all transportation systems in the West lose money.. but technically the services they provide can save the city tons of money in the long run. Just the pollution they take out of the city ALONE has so many benefits.. most importantly of course being the health of citizens. Also, taking cars off the road, speeding up commercial traffic.. millions if not billions of dollars in saved efficiency over time.

siamu maharaj

July 7th, 2007, 09:14 PM

Yes that's true.. I think almost all transportation systems in the West lose money.. but technically the services they provide can save the city tons of money in the long run. Just the pollution they take out of the city ALONE has so many benefits.. most importantly of course being the health of citizens. Also, taking cars off the road, speeding up commercial traffic.. millions if not billions of dollars in saved efficiency over time.
What about the private-run metros? Are they subsidized?

NewYork-wala

July 8th, 2007, 02:08 AM

You fail to mention that the metro cards need at least 4 dollars put on them that will get you one round trip on the subway.

Thats true... But there are different kinds of metro cards, usually use the 20 dollar one.. As remember, and I havent used the train in a while, they charge about 2 dollars or something like that on top of it... But as far as I remmebr, you actually got one extra ride one way.
You can also get the all day pass, which allows you to take as many rides as you want etc... So the MTA has some good deals, but you have to get the more expensive cards to make it worth it... But then you can use that card over and over.

oogabooga

July 8th, 2007, 03:20 AM

What about the private-run metros? Are they subsidized?

Only country I know of that has privately owned Metro's is Japan! And the Hong Kong Metro has other sources of income besides fare collected from passengers, they are invsted in real estate and are one of the most successful metro's in the world.

siamu maharaj

July 8th, 2007, 08:54 AM

Only country I know of that has privately ownder Metro's is Japan! And the Hong Kong Metro has other sources of income besides fare collected from passengers, they are invsted in real estate and are one of the most successful metro's in the world.
Oh. Coz of Japan, I always thought there were privately-owned Metros in other countries, too. I mean major Metros in Western countries.

oogabooga

July 8th, 2007, 09:04 AM

Oh. Coz of Japan, I always thought there were privately-owned Metros in other countries, too. I mean major Metros in Western countries.

I dont know of any, but then I dont know many things. :tongue3:

Perhaps someone more knowledgeable would be so kind as to shed some light?

silal

July 25th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Some public transportation in the US is also privately owned such as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston. http://www.mbta.com/

The idea behind private transportation companies is that it reduces the stress on the city/local government and reduces inefficiencies. However, on the other hand, private companies are often unwilling to expand in areas which is not profitable hence providing limited coverage.

safe_blood

August 27th, 2007, 02:58 PM

Lahore Rapid Mass Transit Rail Project
August 20, 2007

Owais Mughal

Last month there have been several news items about the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT) Rail project. We have tried to gather key information from many of these news items and will present it in the following as one concise post on the topic.

The proposed rail service is the main part of the Lahore Mass Transit System (LRMTS). Other components of this project include the now under construction Lahore Ring Road Project.

http://pakistaniat.com/images/LRMT/LRMT8.jpg
The Photo above shows the Route Map of LRMT Phase I - Green Line

The LRMT is a Two-phase, 97 kilometes long project. A Hong Kong based company called MVA Asia Consultancy was hired the government of Punjab as consultants to prepare the project feasibility. The study of MVA Asia Consultancy completed 5% of project design and proposed four Rail lines in the city to share the traffic burden. The proposed capacity of LRMT is going to be able to move 35000 passengers per hour in the city. Funding for the project will be provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

PHASE I:
In Phase-I two tracks will be constructed. One will be a North-South route called the Green Line and other will be a East-West route called the Orange Line.

Green Line:

Green Line is going to cost US $2.4 billion to construct.

The Green Line would extend from Shahdara to Hamza Town via Ravi Road, Lower Mall, Mall Road, Fatima Jinnah Road, Qartaba Chowk and Ferozepur Road areas.

http://pakistaniat.com/images/LRMT/LRMT2.JPG
The Photo above shows the Route Map of LRMT Phase I - Green Line

The length of Green Line is going to be 27 km. 11.6 km long Green Line route would be underground, while 15.4 km long would be overhead.

There will be 12 underground and 10 overhead stations built on the Green Line route.

The completion dates of ‘Green Line’ is in 2011. Initially the project was supposed to finish in 2012 but due to Cricket World Cup od 2012 wher Lahore will be hosting few matches, the Green Line completion date has been pulled in to 2011. Initial estimates are that 227,000 people annually would benefit from the Green line.

In March 2007, Punjab Government invited Dr E. Sreedharan who is the managing director of successfully operating Delhi Metro Rail. After studying the project details Dr Sreedharan has declared Green Line Project as a viable one. He has inspected the first priority line’s route from Shahdara to Hamza Town. In his view, the implementation of the Green Line project (Phase I) would face no major technical difficulty because the soil condition en route was good and roads were wide, having room for underground construction without creating any serious inconvenience to the city.

Orange Line:

Orange Line is going to cost US $1.9 billion.

Its route would extend from Pakistan Mint to Sabzazar via Shahnur, Awan Town, Hinjarwal, Niaz Beg, Canal View, Wahdat Road, Ali Town, Salahuddin Road, Bund Road, Islam Park, Dera Gujjran Depot, Mahmood Booti, Salamatpura, Samanabad, Gulshan Ravi, Chauburji, Lake Road, Lakshami Chowk, Railway Station, Sultanpura, UET, Baghbanpura and Shalimar Garden areas.

The length of Orange Line would also be 27-km out of which, 6.9 km long tracks would be underground, while 20.2 km-long would be overhead upon which six underground and 20 overhead stations would be established.

The central interchange station of Green and Orange lines would also be established besides linking these lines at Ring Road, railway station, airport, and Sports City.

The completion dates of ‘Orange Line’ is in 2015. Initial estimates are that 245,000 people annually would benefit from the Orange Train.

PHASE II:

The completion year for phase II is 2020.

In Phase-II, two more tracks will be laid out. These routes will be called Blue Line and Purple Line.

Blue Line:

The route length of blue line is going to be 24 km. The ‘Blue Line’ will start from Chauburji and end at College Road, sources said, adding that from Chauburji the line would pass through Mozang Chungi, Shadman Chowk, Jail Road, Mian Boulevard Gulberg, Mian Boulevard Garden Town, Faisal Town and end at College Road.

Purple Line:

The route length of Purple line is going to be 19 km. Purple line would start from Bhaati Chowk and end at Allama Iqbal International Airport. The line would pass through Bhaati Chowk, Brandreth Road, Railway Station, Allama Iqbal Road, Dharampura, Ghazi Road and end at Allama Iqbal International Airport

The Train Capacity:

One unit of air-conditioned train will have the seating capacity of 500 passengers.

Stations:

Train stations on the elevated route would be designed like overhead bridges while train stations on the underground route would have two entranceways and two exits.

Environmental Concerns?

Just like with every Mega project, voices of dissent have started appearing for the project where people have shown concern for environment and noise levels of elevated trains. Dawn’s editorial on Jult 12, 2007 covers these voices very concisely and I’ll quite the editorial here:

The first two lines will cost $3.3 billion. In real terms, the cost of the project is yet to be worked out. Surely, notes of dissent are expected to start pouring in. The economists are going to question the heavy debt the project will incur for the government and the citizens, while the opposition politicians are most definitely going to give their own colour to these lines and the sabza group may soon be out to enumerate the effects of this development on Lahore’s environment. Some of these points may be very valid and should elicit a thoughtful response from the government. There can be no moving ahead without this exercise. The sooner this essential exercise is carried out the better it would be for everyone.

Noise: I couldn’t find the details on expected noise levels around elevated portions of the track but noise is definitely going to travel far and away if sound barriers are not constructed around the tracks. More than normal decibels of noise are already witnessed around Pakistan Railway’s elevated track which runs from Lahore Station to Badami Bagh.

Previous Light Rail Studies or Projects:

The current project is definitely not the first attempt to build a rail based mass transit for Lahore. In 1991 during Nawaz Sharif’s termas prime minister, the feasibility of a light rail transit system was determined by Japanese development organisation (JICA). It had proposed a 13 kilometre long system. The study was reviewed and updated as part of the World Bank funded “Lahore traffic and transport studies” in 1993.

The system’s cost was estimated at about US $400 million, but with better network coverage. In 1995 Japan proposed financing the original scheme with grants and loans of about US $495 million, but the project could not be implemented due to many reasons.

Fares: Back in July 2007, it was reported in Daily Times that Passengers of the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT) would be charged Rs 125 to Rs 140 to travel from one end to the other of the 27 kilometre-long Green Line.

“Sources associated with the project told Daily Times on Thursday that this (Rs 125-Rs 140) one-side fare had been calculated after taking into account the rendered $2.5 billion cost of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2011. Sources said that to pay back the loan likely to be incurred on the LRMT project, the government would have to charge high fares from the passengers. Currently, the public transport fare from Kahna to Shahdara is between Rs 20 to 25. By 2011, it would rise between Rs 25 and Rs 30. They said that to charge a passenger of the LRMT Rs 30 for a one-side visit, the government would have to give a subsidy of at least Rs 100 per person, which was not possible for the government.

While Rs 140 one way fare indeed looks ridiculous right now, passengers may end up paying much more than road transport. The benefiit however will be ease of travel, no traffic jams and hopefully a strict adherence to time table.

Hope: Many years ago I took a course in Engineering Economics. I still remember one sentence from my text book. It read as:

“All mega projects should be built as soon as possible after their design is done and funding is secured otherwise opposition to the project grows on POLITICAL basis.”

When we look around the mega projects of Pakistan, it appears so true. If big projecs are not started quickly they never will because somebody will always find a reason to do politics on the issue. In the end we sincerely hope the project sees the light of the day and does not end like the one in works for Karachi (called KMTP/KCR) for the past 33 years. Lets all hope for the best and we will continue to add updates on this project in the comments section below.

References

(1) Metroblogging Lahore
(2) Dawn Editorial of July 12, 2007
(3) The News, February 26, 2006
(4) MVA Consultancy
(5) Business Recorder Edition of June 10, 2007
(6) The Daily Times Edition of March 14, 2006
(7) ZeeNews edition of March 5, 2007
(8) Lahore Signs Light Rail MoU: September 1, 2002.
(9) Daily Times Edition of July 7, 2007

LINK
http://pakistaniat.com/2007/08/20/lahore-rapid-mass-transit-rail-project/

Jsultan

August 28th, 2007, 03:18 PM

great details.... i certainly hope so that this project gets a go ahead on asap basis....

btw.. i read that the formal ground breaking of the project will be done in sept. 07 after that the construction will start in full swing.. they are in process of building 2 warehouses for the project at the moment somewhere near the starting point i.e. shahdra...!!

safe_blood

August 28th, 2007, 05:09 PM

i think warehouses are allready completed at shahdara and hamza town, construction is to begin very soon, sometime in september. lets hope they dnt let us down this time.

Jsultan

August 30th, 2007, 10:13 AM

i certainly hope so... lets keep our fingers crossed..!!

X-entric

August 30th, 2007, 01:22 PM

Soil Survey begins for mass transit train

By Mansab Dogar

LAHORE: As part of its nine month long survey to analyse soil quality for construction of tunnels for the proposed Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT), a French company SISTRA has completed a survey of 27 out of the 90 points, Daily Times was told on Wednesday.

Officials said the soil samples had been sent to France for analysis and the decision about the type of tunnels would be taken on the basis of the results.

Transport Secretary Agha Nadeem said the provincial government would start the construction of basic infrastructure for the LRMT by October 2007, adding that the commencement of work depended upon the findings of soil analysis tests.

French Company SISTRA had hired local geologists to carry out the survey and soil samples were being analysed at local and international geological laboratories, Nadeem said.

He said the survey would help in deciding as to what kind of foundations, underground stations, underground walls and pillars should be constructed.

The Punjab government was planning to construct Green Lane, Orange Lane, Purple Lane and Blue Lane for the LRMT. The contract for the design of Green Lane that will be constructed in the first phase was given to the SISTRA. The Green Lane will have 22 stations, including 12 underground stations and it will cost Rs 200 billion. A 27-killometres long railway track from Shahdara to Hamza Town will be constructed in the first phase of the project, including 12 kilometres of the elevated track from Hamza Town to Model Town, while the remaining track from Model Town to Data Darbar will be underground that will pass through Ferozepur Road, Fatima Jinnah Road and The Mall.

The Orange Lane will start from the Lahore Railways Station and end at Thokar Niaz Baig and it will pass through Mcleod Road, the GPO, Chauburji, Multan Road and GT Road. The system has the capacity to carry 30,000 commuters in an hour. The project will be completed by 2011.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\08\30\story_30-8-2007_pg13_3

Jsultan

August 31st, 2007, 09:16 AM

cool....

zees

August 31st, 2007, 09:30 AM

there must be a station at Yadgar chowk (Ravi road), so that tourists can catch the train from Regal chowk.

Question: From Yadgar chowk to Regal chowk (will it be underground)

Jsultan

August 31st, 2007, 03:57 PM

it has to be as there is not much space for the elevated tranck to be built in that area... so many congusted buildings and roads.. it seems unlikely for elevated track...

transistorized

August 31st, 2007, 04:23 PM

it has to be as there is not much space for the elevated tranck to be built in that area... so many congusted buildings and roads.. it seems unlikely for elevated track...

No, the eastern side (including that MP) stop is elevated, while the western side is underground. These details are listed on the first page

September 10th, 2007, 02:35 AM

LAHORE, Sept 9: The Asian Development Bank has reportedly agreed to also fund the estimated $2 billion second line of the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System Network covering 26.6km from Thoker Niaz Beg to Mehmood Booti via Multan Road.

“The bank has conveyed to also fund the second line of the rail service which we are planning on the pattern of a similar facility in New Delhi. It (ADB) has already committed to fund the main line form Shahdara to Ferozepur Road’s Hamza Town costing an estimated $2.5 billion,” official sources informed Dawn here on Sunday.

They said the loan would be advanced on easy terms in view of the viability and importance of the project.

They also said spadework for the first main line was near completion and the process of acquisition of land for it would be started in a week or two. As a result, the work on the construction of the depot (main station) would be started by the end of this month or early next month, they added.

They said the geo-technical investigations had also been started on this main line and tests were being conducted at four places near Shahdara and other parts of the city to be covered by the route.

The first line will cover 27km area from Shahdara to Hamza Chowk via Ravi Road, Bhatti Chowk, Lower Mall, The Mall, Queen’s Road, Mozang Chungi and Ferozepur Road. It will have 15.4km elevated and 11.6km underground railway line. There will be 10 elevated and 12 underground stations.

The second line will cover 26.6km area from Thoker Niaz Beg to Mehmood Booti near Pakistan Mint via Multan Road, Chauburji, Lake Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Railway Station, GT Road and Shalamar Gardens. It will have 21.5km elevated and 5.1 underground railway line. There will be 20 elevated and six underground stations.

September 10th, 2007, 02:39 AM

finally.
:banana:

musiddiqui

September 10th, 2007, 03:07 AM

great news

X-entric

September 10th, 2007, 05:12 AM

Good news, and I hope they will not build the LRMT with khota power :)

Mercenary

September 10th, 2007, 06:51 AM

siamu maharaj

September 10th, 2007, 07:54 AM

Great News! I HOPE at least this one comes to pass.

BTW, although completely unrelated, have there ever been plans of a hi-speed train service between ISB and LHE?

Khanrak

September 10th, 2007, 08:49 AM

Has anyone got the subway routes marked out on a map of google earth? the only map i've seen is tiny, and strangely colored and hard to read.

safe_blood

September 10th, 2007, 10:41 AM

How will they tackle stupid Pakistanis boarding passenger cars and in a confined space to harass women?

And the heating?

And the load shedding?

And the fraud in which Pakis will forge tickets to board the subway?

i guess they can make speciall carrages for pundi,

heating will be controlled by air conditioners and electrcity will come from there own generators.

Jsultan

September 10th, 2007, 03:36 PM

BRAVO.... this is one news i have been waiting for.. since we have a confirm financer of this project i see no more issues on this project being materialized..

if it goes according to the plan discussed in the press release we sure will be watching on hell of a project being developed in Lahore.. which can definately turn this city into a true metropolitan....

September 10th, 2007, 05:04 PM

Can anyone please map the two lines on a map?

safe_blood

September 10th, 2007, 05:09 PM

dudes maps are on the previous pages.

September 10th, 2007, 05:19 PM

I was talking about something like google earth maps where you can see the whole city and then map the two lines.

Plasma.

December 9th, 2007, 09:28 PM

guys any updates??

Red aRRow

December 10th, 2007, 12:43 AM

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4268/95536040lk2.jpg

Jsultan

December 10th, 2007, 09:31 AM

when was this add printed and when is the ground breaking... i heard it was delayed due to security concerns in early november.. whats cooking now...???

pakboy

December 10th, 2007, 09:34 AM

pervaiz elahi is gone so i dnt know what will happen now.

Red aRRow

December 10th, 2007, 01:14 PM

^^Ad is around 1 or 2 months old. Dunno about status of project but it would be super cool if it sees the light of day.

punjab

December 11th, 2007, 01:43 PM

this project has not been fully started as of yet, but all work has been done on paper, land aquisitions have been made, now we are on to the construction process which was to begin, lets hope pervaiz elahi is back as PM this time so Lahore can evolve, if he is back as PM then trust me, lahore will be on the world map after his 5 five years and gulberg will be a commercial heaven.

Jsultan

December 13th, 2007, 09:54 AM

the punjab government held a meeting/breifing on the project yestersay, and said the foundation will be layed soon of the project, ground work is ready for the project and construction will start immediately after the foundation stone..

so its pretty much alive and soon to be launched...

RANA AAA

December 13th, 2007, 10:38 AM

Punjab caretaker chief minister Justice (r) Ejaz Nisar has said that Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System (LRMTS) will prove to be a milestone in overcoming traffic problems of the provincial metropolis and will result in provision of safe, comfortable and affordable transport facilities to the masses. Foundation stone of the project will soon be laid, he added. He was presiding over a high level briefing/meeting regarding Lahore Mass Transit System Project at Chief Minister's Secretariat Wednesday. Provincial Minister for Law Mehmood Sheikh, Minister for Communication and Works Mubashar Luqman, Minister for Forests Pir Saad Ahsanuddin, Chief Secretary

Punjab Salman Siddique, Secretary C&W Ahsan Raja, Secretary Transport Agha Nadeem and other high-ranking offices were present on the occasion.

Chairman Planning and Development Suleman Ghani gave a detailed briefing about the project. The chief minister said that Lahore Mass Transit System would comprise underground tube system and a most modern rail system at the ground level. He said that the first phase of the project would be from Hamza Town to Shahdara whereas the second phase would start from Thokar Niaz Baig and terminate at Lahore Station GT road. He said that implementation of the project would give an impetus to construction activities which would generate thousands of job opportunities. He said that the project would result in safe and affordable transport facilities and improvement in the overall traffic management of the City. He said that the project would also promote economic and tourist activities which would improve the socio-economic condition of the people and leave a positive impact on the overall economy of the province.

Punjab Chief Secretary Salman Siddique said that Lahore Mass Transit system would have a positive impact on environment and raise the living standard of the masses.

Chairman P&D Suleman Ghani said that this project would highlight the culture of Lahore as well as generate job opportunities at a large scale.

CM's cell extends help to hard-pressed citizen: The monitoring cell of the Chief Minister has extended Rs 30,000 as financial support to a hard-pressed citizen for the treatment of his wife as he was unemployed and was considering selling his kidney.

According to a handout, Naeem Shahzad, who used to do embroidery business, had become a pauper due to expenditure on the medical treatment of his wife and had appealed to the CM's monitoring cell for help. Monitoring cell In-charge Haji Mohammed Nawaz Malik approved the grant for him, a resident of Rehmanpura, Gujranwala.

ArchiPak

December 13th, 2007, 01:28 PM

Why is Pervaiz Elahi gone?

Red aRRow

December 13th, 2007, 01:54 PM

Why is Pervaiz Elahi gone?

The elected government completed it's term (first time in history). So he is 'gone'. :)

sanaji78601

December 24th, 2007, 11:13 PM

I have also heard that after this trial project, same project will be replicated between FSD and LHR but i heard it almost two years ago. I dont remember where i read it but it was written in some magazine.

Plasma.

December 24th, 2007, 11:16 PM

^^ are you on a mission to bump every single thread?? :rofl:

Intoxication

December 25th, 2007, 07:56 AM

^^ He/she is a new member. They tend to do this stuff.

GoBaby

January 25th, 2008, 12:11 PM

whats the construction status on this project?

cntower

January 25th, 2008, 12:14 PM

So far nothing has started from what I've seen.

RANA AAA

January 27th, 2008, 07:25 AM

Yaar I think it wil never gonna happen if its going to happen than may be in next 50 years.

sadly saying that :ohno:

cntower

January 27th, 2008, 10:49 AM

I can well imagine, if Karachi still hasn't made one (since the 1970s!) then I can only imagine what's in store for Lahore.

sanaji78601

January 31st, 2008, 11:39 AM

^^ are you on a mission to bump every single thread?? :rofl:
Shouldn't I??? :) I do visit after one or two weeks so I check all threads within one day:)

RANA AAA

January 31st, 2008, 05:50 PM

Shouldn't I??? :) I do visit after one or two weeks so I check all threads within one day:)

its not necessary to post in each thread which u had checked.

sanaji78601

January 31st, 2008, 08:48 PM

its not necessary to post in each thread which u had checked.
Don't you think its ones own choice to decide where to post and where to not?:). That is exactly why forums are built. I am a Pakistani citizen and have access to every city here so why shouldn't I post?

January 31st, 2008, 08:51 PM

:doh:

March 2nd, 2008, 02:33 AM

ISLAMABAD (March 02 2008): Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has recommended 12 projects costing Rs 36.8 billion for Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) consideration and approved 21 schemes worth Rs 6 billion. The CDWP met here on Saturday with deputy chairman Planning Commission (PC) Dr Akram Sheikh in the chair.

This was the sixth meeting of the CDWP during the current fiscal. In the earlier five meeting, 185 projects costing Rs 523 billion were either approved for recommended to Ecnec approval. Briefing media after the meeting, PC Asif Sheikh said that total foreign assistance has been estimated at Rs 11.7 billion.

He said that projects costing Rs 20.9 billion would be fully financed by the federal government. Two projects costing Rs 15.6 billion will be financed from Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (Erra) Rs 35 billion budget for the current financial year.

Ten projects costing Rs 4 billion have been approved for the whole country. The CDWP approved three schemes worth Rs 1.1 billion for Punjab, 11 projects costing Rs 18.9 billion for Sindh, two project costing Rs 1.4 billion for NWFP, three schemes costing Rs 1.2 billion for Balochistan, two projects worth Rs 15.5 billion for AJK and the same number of schemes valuing 0.7 billion for Northern Areas, said Asif Sheikh flanked by Dr Asad Ali Shah, member infrastructure PC.

Of the three projects in Punjab, one project namely "Technical Assistance loan for Lahore rapid mass transit system, costing Rs 0.5 billion will be fully financed by the government of Punjab. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide technical assistance.

Dr Asad said that Lahore rapid mass transit was huge project and its total cost would be around 2.4 billion US dollars. The Punjab government will provide $1.4 billion for the project while the remaining amount would be provided by the ADB.

He said that Punjab government was planning to initially lay down the track on 27 kilometres and if that portion remained successful, then the project would be expanded. After that the Punjab government would present PC-I and detailed engineering design of the whole scheme to the PC.

Of the 11 project located in Sindh, two projects costing Rs 0.8 billion will be financed on 50:50 cost sharing basis between the federal and Sindh governments. One project costing Rs 5.1 billion will be fully financed by Sindh government. Asif Sheikh said that Sindh government in collaboration with Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) will construct roads in rural Sindh to improve the inter-district connectivity.

Of the 33 projects, 4 projects have been revised and their net addition in total cost is Rs 1.3 billion. The CDWP will also recommend petroleum and natural resources division project to develop and operate test-pit in Thar coalfield at a cost of Rs 1.24 billion to acquire capability of mining 178 billion tons of coal reserves and use it for power generation. The project also aims at carrying out hydrological study to understand the challenges posed by it.

The CDWP approved 6 projects costing Rs 4.05 billion in energy, five worth Rs 21.3 billion in physical planning and housing, four valuing Rs 11.06 billion in transport and communication, one valuing Rs 0.97 billion in water resources, two worth Rs 0.65 billion in governance, two with estimated cost 0.68 billion in health, 10 costing Rs 3.76 billion in higher education, and three projects worth Rs 0.33 billion in manpower.

RANA AAA

March 2nd, 2008, 09:59 AM

I still dont had any hope of this project to commenced.

pakboy

March 2nd, 2008, 07:19 PM

i think it will start before 2010 atleast.

NewYork-wala

March 3rd, 2008, 09:56 AM

Would certainly be nice if it were built... This will be the best city investment Lahore could make..

Jsultan

March 4th, 2008, 05:34 PM

it will be i hope after the change of govt. i am sure who so ever forms the new govt. will make sure these projects go on.. building their reputation..!!

RANA AAA

March 5th, 2008, 02:52 PM

I Dont think soo... coz in our country it takes very much time to built a new road this is a huge project and now the new gov will not start this coz country had no money for that.The previous gov had use this project just to gain popularity among the public.Nothing more than that.:ohno:

I am not seeing this project ever to be completed feel sad to say but we know our learders.

pakboy

March 5th, 2008, 08:39 PM

well i belive it would have started by now if perveiz elahi was still here, even loan got approved.
now ganja is going to concentrate on yellow cabs :ohno::ohno::ohno: he is now even going to turn all richshaws yellow :ohno: the green cng ones by perveiz elahi looked so nice.

Intoxication

March 5th, 2008, 08:44 PM

^^^ HAHAHA! That reminds me of the 90s when BB and NS kept on swapping the PM position. One wud paint the post boxes yellow. Then the other wud cum and paint them red. :laugh:

RANA AAA

March 6th, 2008, 06:33 PM

PakFan

March 6th, 2008, 09:19 PM

New Gov. First of all should provide the people of paksitan the basic needs like electricity, gas , water,ATTA wheat. etc these project wid such uge amount of money involved wil be second priority for them.

The ability to go cheaply from A to B daily for employment reasons presumably counts as a basic need?

RANA AAA

March 7th, 2008, 07:13 PM

Good point raised but i am not seeing its construction to start nearly about a year untill the new gov. set them selves.

NewYork-wala

September 1st, 2008, 10:25 AM

Sorry to be the harbinger of bad news, but it looks like this project is canceled... Apparently the new govt perfers the path of least intelligence, and want to build an elevated highway or something.
There is stil hope that investors may pressure the govt into going through with it, but nothings certain:(

What a tragedy. :(
http://www.dawn.com/2008/09/01/nat6.htm

$8bn at stake as govt shows lack of interest: Mass transit system

By Intikhab Hanif

LAHORE, Aug 31: The expected foreign investment of nearly eight billion US dollars in the Lahore Mass Transit System is reportedly at stake due to the lack of interest in the project on part of the Punjab government.

Sources claimed on Sunday that the elevated expressway being proposed by the government, instead of the mass transit system, had been opposed by the Middle Eastern group building a $800 million multi-purpose commercial centre on Ferozepur Road. The group has reportedly conveyed to the government, “we are out if it (elevated expressway project) is taken up.”

Sources also claimed that the group had synchronised the commercial centre with the underground rail system, and the overhead expressway did not suit them.

Everything was ready early this year for launching the first phase of the project involving Rs1.4 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank, and an expected $1 billion direct investment from the private sector. But, the government’s priorities appear to have changed.

The project was conceived in 2004, and $9 million had been spent on getting prepared its detailed feasibility and reference design. The ADB, which had agreed to advance the soft loan for the project, too had spent a lot of money in getting the feasibility reports verified through its own international sources.

“The ADB which was about to fund the project is considering to put it on hold,” the sources said.

According to the sources, after the completion of the basic homework early this year, both the previous government and the ADB were expecting that physical work on the project would begin by April or May 2009. And keeping this in view the bank had started seeking transition advisors from the international market.

They added the leading international financial institutions had shown interest in becoming the transition advisors, and the ADB wanted the provincial government to now make institutional arrangements for executing the project.

The sources said the government, however, did not make any institutional arrangements which also proved a turn-off for those showing interest in becoming the transition advisors, making them move away from it.

They said under the project, said to be having a 100-year investment potential, the city was to be given a modern train system in four phases. In the first phase, expected to be started early next year, the Punjab government was to build tunnels, viaducts and stations at a cost of $1.4 billion to be provided by the ADB in the shape of a 32-year loan. Another $1 billion direct investment was expected to come through the private sector, which was required to build the system, bring rails and run them on BoT basis for 15 to 20 years.

The project was estimated to bring in $8 billion, half of which in the shape of direct foreign investment. “But it looks the government is not interested in it,” the sources said.

They said the government was abandoning the project at a time when even cities having three million population were being given mass transit metro systems. Delhi was having its third such system, which was also being given to Bombay and Bangalore because it was reliable, decent, and economically viable.

The sources claimed that the economic rate of return of the Lahore’s mass transit system was 13.5 per cent. The system was expected to change the fate of Lahore along with its more than seven million people by giving the city a modern transport system, besides badly needed jobs.

Pointing out flaws in the elevated expressway the government reportedly intended to give to the city covering Lower Mall and the Ferozepur Road, the sources wondered from where the funds would come for it.

“They (express ways) have been discredited all over the world because they create urban blight. And their construction means the city is losing all chances to go underground forever,” the claimed.

NewYork-wala

September 1st, 2008, 10:26 AM

One has to wonder how anyone can be stupid enough to not want to build this with everything already in place. Its mind boggling!

RANA AAA

September 1st, 2008, 11:26 AM

me too..!!

Intoxication

September 1st, 2008, 11:33 AM

RANA AAA

September 1st, 2008, 11:38 AM

me too..!!

brightside.

September 1st, 2008, 01:39 PM

Idiots.

siamu maharaj

September 1st, 2008, 01:41 PM

Hahaha. The joke's on you. I think everyone knows that MT is a running joke. Not their fault that you believed in it. I'm sure you believe in flying pigs too.

Dallas1

September 1st, 2008, 04:29 PM

……….wish we have free and independent judiciary.... now what we gonna do? can not even go to court :ohno:

brightside.

September 1st, 2008, 04:37 PM

^^ I don't think any law is being broken by not building a mass transit system. Nor are there any laws against the construction of elevated highways. So what would you go to court over?

Dallas1

September 1st, 2008, 04:47 PM

^^^Public interest is at stake elevated road is for rich folks with cars only and trains is for masses ........ if we dont get money now from the banks we might never get it

X-entric

September 4th, 2008, 03:46 AM

This was expected really. I'm not surprised one bit. I have no confidence in these Rapid Mass Transit or Metro projects going forward in Pakistan.

me too..!!

Hahaha. The joke's on you. I think everyone knows that MT is a running joke. Not their fault that you believed in it. I'm sure you believe in flying pigs too.

In this theater of absurd, after 62 years there is no goddamned ELECTRICITY and you guys seriously expected a mass transit system to be built ???
there are not enough dams for hydel power generation, not enough oil for diesel power generation.
Wonder why even I had allowed myself to be deluded for a while. :bash:

Intoxication

September 4th, 2008, 08:26 AM

In this theater of absurd, after 62 years there is no goddamned ELECTRICITY and you guys seriously expected a mass transit system to be built ???
there are not enough dams for hydel power generation, not enough oil for diesel power generation.
Wonder why even I had allowed myself to be deluded for a while. :bash:

Huh?! Why did you quote us?! You should have aimed this post of yours towards NewYork-wala, as we already knew that this was not going to go through.

X-entric

September 5th, 2008, 02:54 AM

Huh?! Why did you quote us?! You should have aimed this post of yours towards NewYork-wala, as we already knew that this was not going to go through.

Sorry about that. I meant I agree with you guys now. I was addressing other forumers.

_BPS_

September 19th, 2008, 10:39 AM

Lahore badly needs an efficient & effective transit system. The city will have to limit the number of highrises if an effective transit system is not developed. The urban localities are too dense, and there is just too much traffic.

RANA AAA

September 23rd, 2008, 08:15 AM

http://express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20080923/Sub_Images/1100488494-1.gif

RANA AAA

September 24th, 2008, 12:23 AM

Staff Reporter

LAHORE: Accountability Court Judge Sheikh Ahmad Farooq Tuesday remanded an accused into NAB-Punjab's custody for 14 days for his alleged involvement in embezzlement of Rs 600 million in Lahore Rail Mass Transit System Project (LRMTS).

The court directed the authorities concerned to produce the accused, identified as Afzal Gulzar, on October 6 for further orders.

Earlier, special prosecutor of NAB-Punjab sought physical remand of the accused, submitting Afzal, one of the four accused, was arrested from outside Anti-Corruption Court on Monday (September 22) while other co-accused Shahnawaz ex-section officer of Transport Department, Muhammad Shamshad, a clerk, and his wife Farhat Shamshad, are still at large.

It may be recalled that LRMTS was a project of the Punjab Transport Department started in 2007. Asian Development Bank had funded the project and a feasibility study was to be prepared against Rs one billion but the above said four accused allegedly in connivance with each other misappropriated Rs 600 million by preparing fake bills for payment to some international consultancy firms but these amounts were never paid to these firms.

HSK

September 24th, 2008, 12:29 AM

A feasibility study was to be prepared against Rs one billion but the above said four ... misappropriated Rs 600 million by preparing fake bills for payment to some international consultancy firms but these amounts were never paid to these firms.
:lol:

Over and over again these mega-projects proposals prove to be nothing but money grabs.

ABBASIA

September 24th, 2008, 07:09 AM

There is no spade work on this project and a clerk already plunders 600 million Rupees, what a loss.

October 27th, 2008, 02:03 AM

* NESPAK official says project execution would require international firm with good track record
* TEPA official says LRMT of greater social utility
* Steering committee chairman says available funding will be considered

By Mansab Dogar

LAHORE: The Punjab government’s plan to construct an elevated expressway from Kainchi Stop to the Niazi Interchange will render the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT) project obsolete, said experts associated with the project.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/images/2008/10/27/20081027_e01.jpg

The experts told Daily Times that the elevated expressway is estimated to cost Rs 40 – 50 billion while the LRMT project would have cost the government about three billion dollars. A National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK) official said that the department had prepared a feasibility of the expressway, which will be presented to the government soon. According to the report, the expressway will have two lanes on both sides, and would be supported with pillars erected on the greenbelt running down the middle of the Ferozepur Road. He added that a couple of unavoidable linkages would be provided, which have not been determined yet.

International: The official maintained that the project was very practical and would cost about Rs 50 billion. He said that only international firms with a good track records could execute the project with limited local expertise. If this project is completed, there is very little chance that the LRMT will ever be undertaken, he added.

Utility: A Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) official associated with the LRMT project said that the LRMT project was better as it benefited commuters more than car owners, adding that the elevated expressway was designed to facilitate private vehicle owners. However, he admitted that as far as cost effectiveness was concerned, the expressway was far cheaper and would be completed much faster than the LRMT project, which would take at least another five years.

Funding: Lahore Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase-II Steering Committee Chairman Khawaja Ahmad Hassan said that the committee was waiting for a presentation on the expressway project, adding that the utility of both projects for the city would be evaluated before any final decision was taken. He said that the LRMT was undoubtedly a larger project in terms of monetary expenditures, adding that the availability of funding for either project would also be taken into account.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\10\27\story_27-10-2008_pg13_1

October 27th, 2008, 02:05 AM

^^ But its a gift to the city from the Govt. :colgate:

sourierservice

October 27th, 2008, 02:14 AM

:lol:

siamu maharaj

October 27th, 2008, 06:20 AM

Can someone please tell me how an EE make a rapid mass transit system obsolete? Mass Transit's biggest purpose is it decrease vehicular traffic (among others like cheap transport, etc.). Whereas, an EE encourages cars!

AAAJ

October 27th, 2008, 08:10 AM

X-entric

October 27th, 2008, 08:27 AM

2 lanes of expressway????? thats CRAP and LRMT should not die. I would rather have LRMT instead of the elevated expressway.

NewYork-wala

October 27th, 2008, 03:46 PM

brightside.

October 27th, 2008, 04:22 PM

They just hate trains, they are also afraid of launching a train based mass transit system for some reason. Personally, I would love to see a train mass transit system so that the roads are nice and open for me to drive on everyday. To think of a reduction in the number of buses on the roads makes me so happy.

brightside.

October 27th, 2008, 04:25 PM

Come to think of it, it's probably always the bus transport mafia that kills proposals for train metros. Believe me these transport guys are very rich and they even look dangerous. If I was a public official, I'd be scared to piss them off.

siamu maharaj

October 27th, 2008, 04:44 PM

No such mafia in Lahore... As for Karachi, I can't say much coz then I'll be hushed.

PakFan

October 27th, 2008, 04:55 PM

You only have to look at LA to ascertain that laying additional tarmac for cars simply does not work.

Even a resource-rich place like Dubai (for whom projects such as new roads are no problem) have realised that building a light rail system for the city is an absolute minimum necessity.

PakFan

October 27th, 2008, 04:56 PM

No such mafia in Lahore...

There's a transport mafia/union/monopoly/cartel in every city and town.

brightside.

October 27th, 2008, 06:00 PM

My uncle told me that somewhere in California in the 80s they built a local train system, and all the automakers operating in the region pooled together their resources and bought out the trains and stations....then destroyed them.

siamu maharaj

October 27th, 2008, 06:13 PM

I believe GM did something similar? Like stalling government efforts for trains.

PakFan

October 27th, 2008, 06:17 PM

I believe GM did something similar? Like stalling government efforts for trains.

Vested interests in most industries would lobby hard to prevent the introduction of competition in their market. I guess my point is that there are numerous and regular examples (in developed and devloping countries) of such a situation.

October 27th, 2008, 07:11 PM

What a disaster... These elevated EP's have very little long termvalue.
They assume this retarded project will address the problems that would have been addresed by the LRMT, but
how is this supposed to reduce traffic? How will this provide millions with a realtively cheap and safe mass transit?

Rampant fucking stupidity... :ohno:

They just hate trains, they are also afraid of launching a train based mass transit system for some reason. Personally, I would love to see a train mass transit system so that the roads are nice and open for me to drive on everyday. To think of a reduction in the number of buses on the roads makes me so happy.

Welcome (back) to pakistani politics!

If the previous govt. (sorry i meant "dictator") had planned something, then the current one has to change it so they can say "its a gift from our govt. to the city" (only in pak politics do you gift someone from their own money). If LMTS, were to continue, they can't call it "their project". To hell with what is better and what is needed.

Same thing happened in Pindi...they screwed up the LEH expressway to come up with their own shit that will run on top of Murree road (BB road). The leh expressway had the multiple advantages that it will provide an alternative link to pindi from islamabad and thereby distributing the traffic load, it will clear up one of the shittiest areas of pindi, and also provide some business oppurtunity to the area. Also much planning, survey had been done in that regard. The only downside was that musharraf (sorry again: "the dictator") inaugurated the project.

As for the transportation mafia...well if they are so strong, then where were they when the LMTS was being initiated? Except that the mafia belongs to the new govt, i do not thing that will be a problem. If there's a will, there's a way. The transport union might be quite strong but if the govt wants, they can go ahead with the plan without much trouble. It isn't that big a mafia that cannot be tackled.

PakFan

October 27th, 2008, 07:25 PM

If the previous govt. (sorry i meant "dictator") had planned something, then the current one has to change it so they can say "its a gift from our govt. to the city" (only in pak politics do you gift someone from their own money).

:lol:

brightside.

October 27th, 2008, 07:28 PM

Welcome (back) to pakistani politics!

If the previous govt. (sorry i meant "dictator") had planned something, then the current one has to change it so they can say "its a gift from our govt. to the city" (only in pak politics do you gift someone from their own money). If LMTS, were to continue, they can't call it "their project". To hell with what is better and what is needed.

Same thing happened in Pindi...they screwed up the LEH expressway to come up with their own shit that will run on top of Murree road (BB road). The leh expressway had the multiple advantages that it will provide an alternative link to pindi from islamabad and thereby distributing the traffic load, it will clear up one of the shittiest areas of pindi, and also provide some business oppurtunity to the area. Also much planning, survey had been done in that regard. The only downside was that musharraf (sorry again: "the dictator") inaugurated the project.

I don't think anyone cares who initiated any project, all that people see is during who's tenure something got completed.

slashcruise

October 27th, 2008, 09:19 PM

I am really saddened to see lahore mass rapid transit system is in danger.Now all the hopes are on Karachi's MRTS....

bablo124

October 28th, 2008, 12:34 AM

i dont think so lahore rapid mass will be build in the future, the project is already in a postponed

RANA AAA

October 28th, 2008, 06:10 AM

i had said it before to the MOdz to lock this thread

October 28th, 2008, 06:35 PM

why Rana?

the survey has been done, soil testing is done, loans and investment are available for the project...hopefully sooner or later common sense will replace political agenda and LRMTS would be built rather than some stupid elevated expressway.

Only if the elevated expressway is build and this shelved, should we lock this thread and open another.

NewYork-wala

October 30th, 2008, 08:05 AM

Red aRRow

October 30th, 2008, 10:29 AM

^^Relax bro.

PakFan

October 30th, 2008, 10:53 AM

October 30th, 2008, 12:00 PM

Why the fuck was my reply to KB boy deleted? Moderators are supposed to be neutral..
Kb was the one who brought up that dick Musharaf...

This is why this forum is so messed up, its rabidly pro DICKtator...

Why dont you mods make it clear that anti Mush people are not welcome on this forum and I wont return.

Look dude!

You have been warned here for the 100th time that this is not a political forum. Every 2 months or so you come back and bitching about projects or talking politics is all what your posts consists of.

Just because I used sarcasm ( as in : sorry dictator) doesn't mean you should go nuts about politics. My post is about the topic at hand. Your posts were deleted because it doesn't even concern or mention the topic at hand but your political rants. If you're so interested in politics, then i suggest there are so many other political forums out there.

And apparently I am not the only one having problem with you here. You have infraction points upto your neck by other mods and even the minimum action will result in your automatic ban. If this hasn't been able to clear things up for you, then I don't know what will.

October 30th, 2008, 05:42 PM

brightside.

October 30th, 2008, 05:49 PM

You shouldn't have added a political element to your post, KB. I also am trying to not make posts that will cause arguments from now on whether on religion or politics, we should all try to do so.

You guys should really stop going "democrazy!" and using the cheer smiley every time bad news is posted, it's getting annoying

oogabooga

November 1st, 2008, 06:58 PM

Using a smiley to convey ones emotions concerning a certain piece of news is far better than writing a half-page rant about how the current political administration is at fault. There is nothing wrong with using smileys and I for one will continue to do so whether it may annoy you or not. Fact of the matter is that no matter what our protocols are, every one of us will always have a political opinion! I was a staunch Musharraf supporter and I have ample fodder nowadays to write tons of rants regarding the pathetic performance of the current government with all that is going on in the country, but alas I suppress these most natural of urges (:laugh:) in the greater interest of the forum and resort to a simple, innocent little smiley. :colgate:

Now, ON WITH THE CHEERING! :cheer:

brightside.

November 1st, 2008, 07:01 PM

Now, ON WITH THE CHEERING! :cheer:

:sly:

I hope you never get to ride the Lahore metro :ohno:

oogabooga

November 1st, 2008, 07:02 PM

:cheer:

thePakMan

November 1st, 2008, 07:12 PM

Why the fuck was my reply to KB boy deleted? Moderators are supposed to be neutral..
Kb was the one who brought up that dick Musharaf...

This is why this forum is so messed up, its rabidly pro DICKtator...

Why dont you mods make it clear that anti Mush people are not welcome on this forum and I wont return.

I have been noticing this also. This forum is pro Musharaf and mods need to be neutral here. You are right for this part However It’s also not correct if you use bad language against the mods. Please everyone try to avoid political discussion.

We can leave this thread open. Lahore Rapid Mass Transit system is the need of hour which will directly affect poor people. If Sharif government is going for Elevated Expressway that’s also good. Can't we live with both the projects? Let Sharifs complete their project. Probably another dictator will come and complete this project.

:cheers:

November 1st, 2008, 07:38 PM

Can't we live with both the projects? Let Sharifs complete their project. Probably another dictator will come and complete this project.

:cheers:

They're freaking expensive projects dude.... and being built by our tax money. We can hardly finance either. Both will mean borrowing money from other sources to be paid back by us and our children.

Anyway, when the elevated expressway gets going and we have some renders & construction pics, we will open a thread for that. If at any time this project is officially cancelled, then we will close this thread.

thePakMan

November 1st, 2008, 07:42 PM

They're freaking expensive projects dude.... and being built by our tax money. We can hardly finance either. Both will mean borrowing money from other sources to be paid back by us and our children.

Anyway, when the elevated expressway gets going and we have some renders & construction pics, we will open a thread for that. If at any time this project is officially cancelled, then we will close this thread.

sure makes sense.

umiii

November 28th, 2008, 04:23 PM

YA ITZ LIKE A BIG THREAD YAR.

brightside.

November 28th, 2008, 05:11 PM

YA ITZ LIKE A BIG THREAD YAR.

Someone warn this noob. And delete the above post and this one.

Aadil.Aijaz

November 28th, 2008, 07:58 PM

^^ I've noticed this new guy doing spamming everywhere...
maybe we need to teach him the rules...
just the way you guys taught me.. (brigged me 2 times :ohno: )

November 28th, 2008, 08:03 PM

^^ I've noticed this new guy doing spamming everywhere...
maybe we need to teach him the rules...
just the way you guys taught me.. (brigged me 2 times :ohno: )

We are taking care of this :cheers:

November 28th, 2008, 08:45 PM

He's gone.

J_Sultan

November 28th, 2008, 09:17 PM

hmmmmm.... so no update on the project... and i was so excited to open this thread looking for an update......

bablo124

November 29th, 2008, 03:19 AM

i hope one day, this pending project will again going to start. and we will again discuss on this project.

Aadil.Aijaz

November 29th, 2008, 06:23 AM

^^ We are already discussing it...
I don't know what actually happened to this project... that's why I'm not so excited about it... :)

GoBaby

February 4th, 2009, 09:17 AM

Can someone confirm if this project has been shelved? I was really looking forward to seeing subways in Lahore

umiii

February 6th, 2009, 12:46 PM

not shelved because CM in its china visit make some agreements like elevated express and LRMT with BOT due to lack of funds and i heard few days back that Chinese engineers are there next month for certain measurements n all.so don't lose hope

taseer121

February 6th, 2009, 03:26 PM

^^ thanx for the information umii.

RANA AAA

March 18th, 2009, 04:24 AM

http://express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20090223/Sub_Images/1100575988-1.gif

taseer121

March 18th, 2009, 09:19 AM

^^ see the emergance of our indepent judicary and from now on no criminal will be able to steel without prosecution.

Ahmad Rashid Ahmad

March 18th, 2009, 06:54 PM

http://express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20090223/Sub_Images/1100575988-1.gif

Nice information, what about the project now

umiii

March 18th, 2009, 11:54 PM

kash yeh project ab aur delayed ka shikar na ho..

syedahsaninam

March 19th, 2009, 02:31 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2590762171_1fd6eb44c2.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAUStZ5Hhm8/SaFIHynK5BI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/LLviGqScHV4/s400/SHT1.jpg
http://www.lahorermt.com/background.jpg

some images i found on google....

taseer121

March 19th, 2009, 12:58 PM

^^ it doesn't say any deadline for the submission of the bid and when the project is gonna be under-construction. i bet thats gonna take atleast another 6-7 years as our record for building big projects is very good.....:)

EMP

March 19th, 2009, 05:05 PM

I very much doubt that the project is anywhere even close to start...As taseer121 said it will take at least 3-4 yrs if not 6-7 to even begin with construction if it happens....

umiii

March 19th, 2009, 10:25 PM

just pray

A-TOWN BOY

March 20th, 2009, 06:01 PM

^^ n don't spam!!:tongue3:

umiii

March 20th, 2009, 09:15 PM

^^ n don't spam!!:tongue3:

em not spamming ok. what can i say about this project yar. but i don't want to lose hope ok. and em waiting till this project start inshallah.

Plasma.

March 21st, 2009, 01:15 AM

em not spamming ok. what can i say about this project yar. but i don't want to lose hope ok. and em waiting till this project start inshallah.

Exactly, don't say anything.

J_Sultan

March 22nd, 2009, 08:28 PM

Transit rail project revival amid controversies

Sunday, March 22, 2009
By Moayyed Jafri

LAHORE

AFTER remaining dormant for years, the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit Rail Project (LRMT) is finally being revived despite all controversies.

The Asian Development Bank and the Steering Committee for the LRMT have agreed to employ a transactional adviser to set the project wheels rolling as the June deadline for the cooperation nears. In a meeting on Friday, the transactional adviser, which most probably will be a marketing/consultancy firm, will market the project in the international arena to attract investors on the Build Own Transfer (BOT) basis, Planning and Development Chairman Sohail Ahmed told The News. In 1993, the World Bank funded ‘Lahore Traffic and Transport Studies’ proposed an underground railway system to ease traffic problems.

The Musharraf-led government also worked on such a project in 2000 and a memorandum of understanding was signed but the project was dropped.

The feasibility studies of the project were alleged to have caused embezzlement of funds creating controversies that lead to more delay.

The government had already spent close to Rs 1 billion on feasibility studies of the project and the estimated cost had grown form $2 billion in 2007 to $2.5 billion in 2009 for the first phase. A Hong Kong based company called MVA Asia Consultancy was hired by the Punjab government as consultants to prepare the project feasibility, which proposed four rail lines in the City to ease traffic congestion. The LRMT is estimated to serve around 350,000 people daily and the project would cover 27 square kilometres.

Social circles have expressed their reservation on disturbance caused by blockades by the project in a city already clogged with traffic.

The noise caused by a train running through the metropolis has also came under discussion. People have expressed concern over noise level around the elevated portions of the track if sound barriers are not constructed.

Already more than normal decibels of noise is generated around Pakistan Railway’s elevated track which runs from Lahore Station to Badami Bagh.

Controversies, however, do not end here. The design and route of the LRMT has changed over time. Authorities state that changes have been incorporated to optimise the utility of the project whereas these changes had been seen by others an outcome of politicians’ efforts to favour their friends.

The project according to the feasibility studies was divided into two phases. In Phase-I, two tracks are to be constructed. One will be a North-South route called the Green Line and other will be an East-West route called the Orange Line.

The Green Line would extend from Shahdara to Hamza Town via Ravi Road, Lower Mall, The Mall, Fatima Jinnah Road, Qartaba Chowk and Ferozpur Road. The Green Line would extend from Shahdara to Hamza Town via Ravi Road, Lower Mall, The Mall, Fatima Jinnah Road, Qartaba Chowk and Ferozepur Road areas. The Orange Line would extend from Pakistan Mint to Sabzazar via Shah Nur, Awan Town, Hanjarwal, Thokar Niaz Beg, Canal View, Wahdat Road, Ali Town, Salahuddin Road, Bund Road, Islam Park, Dera Gujjran Depot, Mahmood Booti, Salamatpura, Samnabad, Gulshan Ravi, Chauburji, Lake Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Railway Station, Sultanpura, UET, Baghbanpura and Shalimar Garden areas.

The government is focusing on the Green Line as a stand-alone project so that once built its expected success can attract investment and expertise for the remaining part of the project.

Asian Development Bank experts and independent observers such as Dr E Sreedharan, who is the managing director of the successful Delhi Metro Rail project, have declared the Green Line Project a viable one after studying project details.

Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=168540

Ahmad Rashid Ahmad

March 22nd, 2009, 11:11 PM

Every populous city has usually Mass transit in order to deal with the growing traffic problem, God knows y our leaders r still thinking on it...........:bash:

HSK

March 23rd, 2009, 03:10 AM

The government had already spent close to Rs 1 billion on feasibility studies of the project and the estimated cost had grown form $2 billion in 2007 to $2.5 billion in 2009 for the first phase.
1 billion pkr for feasibility studies? And more to be spent? You've got to be kidding me.

I've worked on my fair share of project/program evaluations and 15 million dollars being tossed into a bunch of feasibility studies blows me away. It's ridiculous.

EMP

March 24th, 2009, 09:10 AM

The problem was is not blowing away $15 miilli but they still havent started any work....Therefore when the project will actually begin there will be another feasibility report and the construction cost is most likely to go up from $2.5 billion ...They need to act fast, changing the route for friends or developers will result in failed project as the required ridership will not be achieved, which will further undermine other MRTS projects planned in other cities....

HSK

March 29th, 2009, 04:16 AM

umiii

March 29th, 2009, 10:40 PM

It doesnt look like they're interested in building any transit system. It looks like they're more interested in tossing billions of rupees into report after report.

I wouldnt be surprised if these reports are being "done" by some minister's son in Britain or Malaysia.

ya quite right because in Pakistan they are not go ahead from these political issues so i don't believe anyone who take this responsibility either he is shehbaz sharref or else.

taseer121

March 30th, 2009, 05:12 PM

i hope shehbaz is made cm very quickly cuz' ii have lots of hope in him and i also think he will go ahead with RMT.

umiii

March 30th, 2009, 09:14 PM

right now the situation didn't support previous CM to come. so we just hope 4 the best and may be punjab GOV of PML N will continue this project.

GoBaby

May 29th, 2009, 12:08 PM

Now that Shahbaz Sharif is the CM again, have there been any talks regarding this project yet?

yasirniazkhan

June 24th, 2009, 12:58 AM

The detailed google map of Lahore enabled me to create a route of the first tram line (Green line) of the long planned Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System. The route maps available around the internet are not very clear and differ from each other. So I just created a combined route map to get an idea of the first line. So here is my attempt:
http://yasirniaz.blogspot.com/2009/05/lahore-tram-project.html
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yAXo3P0oA_o/SkYZj-LuIDI/AAAAAAAAL78/XlxDac1rgns/s400/LRMTmy.jpg (http://yasirniaz.blogspot.com/2009/05/lahore-tram-project.html)

syedahsaninam

June 24th, 2009, 01:45 AM

So this means this project is not dead. Thanks Yasir :happy:

natarajan1986

June 25th, 2009, 05:38 AM

Is it mrts ,metro or monorail

siamu maharaj

June 25th, 2009, 07:11 AM

Is it mrts ,metro or monorail
I can tell you with great confidence not even the ones designing it know that.

oogabooga

June 25th, 2009, 01:18 PM

:hilarious

Yeh hai Pakistan meri jaan! :rofl:

yasirniazkhan

July 1st, 2009, 11:36 PM

Well, currently there seems to be no life in the LRMT Project. Maybe it needs a lot of construction, funding, planning, etc. There is a similar project which is much cheaper and requires minimal construction. This project is to build a light rail system in Lahore using the existing rail tracks. This project can be implemented within months. Very small trains can be run on it so that they are fast and frequent. If trains run every hour (or half hour), a lot of people will be tempted to use it. Some new stations need to be built to make it more effective. Anyways, here is the map depicting this project:
http://yasirniaz.blogspot.com/2009/06/lahore-light-rail-proposal.html
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yAXo3P0oA_o/Slof5VtNnFI/AAAAAAAANKI/C7fxN3-wjs8/s320/lahore_light_rail_1.jpg (http://yasirniaz.blogspot.com/2009/06/lahore-light-rail-proposal.html)

yasirniazkhan

August 16th, 2009, 02:08 AM

It was a while ago that I posted a proposal for a Light Rail project in Lahore until LRMTS project is developed. So here is the second phase of this proposal. This phase also makes use of the existing railway line in Lahore and makes some stations on it and extending the line to the airport.
here is the map depicting this project (click for more details):
http://yasirniaz.blogspot.com/2009/06/lahore-light-rail-proposal-phase-2.html
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yAXo3P0oA_o/SodNeGTLuiI/AAAAAAAANLQ/UX2Ft1Hachk/s320/lahore_light_rail_2.jpg (http://yasirniaz.blogspot.com/2009/06/lahore-light-rail-proposal-phase-2.html)

yasirniazkhan

August 16th, 2009, 02:17 AM

Dear Ahsan, sorry I didn't mean to say that this project is active or under development. I just created a map to create some awareness of its effectiveness and may be increase public favor.

So this means this project is not dead. Thanks Yasir :happy:

syedahsaninam

August 16th, 2009, 02:56 AM

^^ Aww man! You just had to put my hopes down! :(

aks188

September 9th, 2009, 01:42 AM

goood news guys just saw news on geo tv chief minister punjab was meeting with sum chinese firm about lahore rapid mass transit project this project is still alive n punjab govt in interested in this project too :banana::cheers:

aks188

September 9th, 2009, 01:43 AM

dnt b hopeless guys this project is still alive :)

RANA AAA

September 9th, 2009, 08:55 AM

http://express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20090909/Sub_Images/1100711443-1.jpg
http://express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20090909/Sub_Images/1100711443-2.gif

http://express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20090909/Sub_Images/1100711445-1.jpg
http://express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20090909/Sub_Images/1100711445-2.gif

aks188

September 9th, 2009, 11:18 AM

:cheers: yeah that wast the news about mass transit :banana:

J_Sultan

September 10th, 2009, 10:29 AM

Great.... i hope they work out something this time.. this is badly needed in lahore and is one of the most important projects...

yasirniazkhan

September 10th, 2009, 10:45 AM

Well, this is probably the best news ever about the project, since Shehbaz Sharif is the best administrator ever, and God-willing, the current coalition government still has more than 3 years to do it. Even his corrupt brother made an excellent project as the motorway. The only problem could be funding. Let's pray for it to complete.

RANA AAA

September 10th, 2009, 11:00 AM

Yeah work on Ring road is going at fast pace since he came in power.Hope he will the same with LRMTS :cheers:

Ahmad Rashid Ahmad

September 10th, 2009, 01:04 PM

Great news...........Geo Shahbaz Sharif

aruz

September 11th, 2009, 07:57 PM

i just heard that shahbaz shareef is suffering from cancer? some bdy plz authenticate this..

RANA AAA

September 12th, 2009, 10:52 AM

^^agar hai bi to us ka LRMTS kki thread sa kia talauq

bablo124

September 14th, 2009, 12:54 AM

^^agar hai bi to us ka LRMTS kki thread sa kia talauq

:lol::lol::lol::lol: absolutely right

rIz_aLi

September 14th, 2009, 04:47 PM

i just heard that shahbaz shareef is suffering from cancer? some bdy plz authenticate this..
just tell him the adress of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital.

umiiii

September 14th, 2009, 09:34 PM

Yeah work on Ring road is going at fast pace since he came in power.Hope he will the same with LRMTS :cheers:

yes you are right rana. actually the ring road project is under government power to persue, but in case of LRMT it is not possible to do it alone so we have to dependent on the other party as well. because obvoiusly like Mubarak center majority of the shares have been reserve with abu dhabi group. so in this regard government has nothing to do with the project rather just wait and watch something is going to be happen. likewise CM Punjab looking very seroius in this project and hope so the chinese company also have the same attitude and interest in this project.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 07:59 PM

LAHORE - The Punjab government has decided to constitute a ‘special authority’ to initiate Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT) Rail project under the directions of Asian Development Bank.
According to sources in Planning and Development Department, government has to form a special authority as ADB, extending loan for the execution of LRMT rail project, had set the condition that unless such body is formed, the Bank will not extend its financial facility to the govt. Sources disclosed that fulfilling some other conditions laid down by ADB, Punjab government has also been planning to establish Project Management Unit, appoint consultants and make relevant legislations. The Punjab government has also created a new head of
Special Infrastructure in the Annual Development Program (ADP) and included LRMT project in the head.
Sources revealed that ADB had set the condition after Rs 1 billion mega scam in LRMT rail project surfaced in past. The four ex-employees of transport department along with former secretary transport Agha Nadeem were found involved in the scandal. Sources said that Punjab government had allocated Rs 1.952 billion for 97 kilo metres long LRMT project in the fiscal year 2009-10. “The LRMT rail project targets for the fiscal year 2009-10 include; engagement of transaction advisor for preparatory work, engagement of the general consultants to
oversee the project, and tendering for the design-built LRMTS execution contract during year 2009,” sources added. Currently, there are four ongoing schemes under LRMTS Project costing Rs 1.856 billion.
They said “the government had already spent Rs 1 billion on feasibility study of the project to be completed in two phases and the estimated cost had grown from $2 billion in 2007 to $2.5 billion in 2009 for the first phase.”
The current project is definitely not the first attempt to build a rail-based mass transit for Lahore. The proposed capacity of LRMT will be capable of moving 35,000 passengers per hour in the City.
In Phase-I two tracks will be constructed. One will be a North-South route called the Green Line and other will be East-West route called the Orange Line.
Green Line is going to cost US $2.4 billion to construct. The Green Line would extend from Shahdara to Hamza Town via Ravi Road, Lower Mall, The Mall,

Fatima Jinnah Road, Qartaba Chowk and Ferozepur Road areas.
The length of Green Line will be 27 km. 11.6 km long Green Line route would be underground, while 15.4 km long would be overhead. There will be 12 underground and 10 overhead stations built on the Green Line route.
Orange Line will cost Rs 1.9 billion dollars. Its route will extend from Pakistan Mint to Sabzazaar via Shahnoor, Awan Town, Hinjarwal, Niaz Beg, Canal View, Wahdat Road, Ali Town, Salahuddin Road, Bund Road, Islam Park, Dera Gujjran Depot, Mahmood Booti, Salamatpura, Samanabad, Gulshan Ravi, Chauburji, Lake Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Railway Station, Sultanpura, UET, Baghbanpura and Shalimar Gardens areas.
The length of Orange Line would also be 27-km out of which, 6.9 km long track will be underground, while 20.2 km-long will be overhead upon which six underground and 20 overhead stations will be established.
The central interchange station of Green and Orange lines will also be established besides linking these lines at Ring Road, Railway Station, airport, and sports city. According to initial estimates 245,000 people will benefit from the Orange Train annually.
In Phase-II, two more tracks will be laid out. These routes will be called Blue Line and Purple Line. The route length of blue line is going to be 24 km. The ‘Blue Line’ will start from Chauburji and end at College Road, sources said adding, from Chauburji the line will pass through Mozang Chungi, Shadman Chowk, Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Main Boulevard Garden Town, Faisal Town and end at College Road.
The route length of Purple line will be 19 km. Purple line will start from Bhati Chowk and end at Allama Iqbal International Airport.
The line will pass through Bhati Chowk, Brandreth Road, Railway Station, Allama Iqbal Road, Dharampura, Ghazi Road and end at Allama Iqbal International Airport. Trains stations on the elevated route will be designed like overhead bridges while train stations on the underground routes will have two entrance ways and two exits.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 08:03 PM

One unit of air-conditioned train will have the seating capacity of 500 passengers.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 08:04 PM

Train stations on the elevated route would be designed like overhead bridges while train stations on the underground route would have two entrance ways and two exits.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 08:06 PM

Just like with every Mega project, voices of dissent have started appearing for the project where people have shown concern for environment and noise levels of elevated trains. Dawn’s editorial on Jult 12, 2007 covers these voices very concisely and I’ll quite the editorial here:
The first two lines will cost $3.3 billion. In real terms, the cost of the project is yet to be worked out. Surely, notes of dissent are expected to start pouring in. The economists are going to question the heavy debt the project will incur for the government and the citizens, while the opposition politicians are most definitely going to give their own colour to these lines and the sabza group may soon be out to enumerate the effects of this development on Lahore’s environment. Some of these points may be very valid and should elicit a thoughtful response from the government. There can be no moving ahead without this exercise. The sooner this essential exercise is carried out the better it would be for everyone.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 08:08 PM

I couldn’t find the details on expected noise levels around elevated portions of the track but noise is definitely going to travel far and away if sound barriers are not constructed around the tracks. More than normal decibels of noise are already witnessed around Pakistan Railway’s elevated track which runs from Lahore Station to Badami Bagh.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 08:09 PM

The current project is definitely not the first attempt to build a rail based mass transit for Lahore. In 1991 during Nawaz Sharif’s termas prime minister, rhe feasibility of a light rail transit system was determined by Japanese development organisation (JICA). It had proposed a 13 kilometre long system. The study was reviewed and updated as part of the World Bank funded “Lahore traffic and transport studies” in 1993.
The system’s cost was estimated at about US $400 million, but with better network coverage. In 1995 Japan proposed financing the original scheme with grants and loans of about US $495 million, but the project could not be implemented due to many reasons.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 08:10 PM

Back in July 2007, it was reported in Daily Times that Passengers of the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT) would be charged Rs 125 to Rs 140 to travel from one end to the other of the 27 kilometre-long Green Line.
“Sources associated with the project told Daily Times on Thursday that this (Rs 125-Rs 140) one-side fare had been calculated after taking into account the rendered $2.5 billion cost of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2011. Sources said that to pay back the loan likely to be incurred on the LRMT project, the government would have to charge high fares from the passengers. Currently, the public transport fare from Kahna to Shahdara is between Rs 20 to 25. By 2011, it would rise between Rs 25 and Rs 30. They said that to charge a passenger of the LRMT Rs 30 for a one-side visit, the government would have to give a subsidy of at least Rs 100 per person, which was not possible for the government."
While Rs 140 one way fare indeed looks ridiculous right now, passengers may end up paying much more than road transport. The benefiit however will be ease of travel, no traffic jams and hopefully a strict adherence to time table.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 08:12 PM

This is really rediculus 140 RS for one side. mumbai metro have maximum RS 7 to RS 22. there is a huge difference between them. if it realy flow then LRMT is for poor people.

umiiii

September 15th, 2009, 08:14 PM

this is the valuable information about LRMT. so i want to share with you people. hope you all like it.

RANA AAA

September 16th, 2009, 04:34 AM

^^man u are very much excited

Ahmad Rashid Ahmad

September 16th, 2009, 08:09 PM

^^If the fare is that much high, then I don't think so that even a middle class person will travel on this...........Anyhow, thanks umiiiiii for the news

syedahsaninam

September 16th, 2009, 10:23 PM

Its probably not accurate! i'm guessing 20 R - 40 R

PKlover

December 1st, 2009, 08:46 PM

well, whatever the fare maybe, this project is badly needed for Lahore! i hope they will start it soon.

Strong Hearted

December 22nd, 2009, 04:10 PM

hey guyz no one posted this report here so i m posting it...the report is of DEC 5 ..2009

Shahbaz Sharif's briefing on Lahore Mass Transit Project:
PUNJAB Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif briefed Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif on various development projects, action against Qabza mafia and public transport. He said that revolutionary steps are being taken for the rapid development of the province, provision of basic amenities to the people, elimination of Qabza groups and provision of better transport facilities to the people, mass transit project and improvement of education, health and other sectors.

The CM said that provision of better transport facilities to the people was top priority of the government and a transport company had been set up in this regard. He said that nothing was done to improve public transport by the previous regime which increased the peoples’ problems. He said agreements had been inked with Chinese companies for provision of comfortable transport facilities to the people.

Briefing Nawaz on the mass transit project, the CM said that negotiation was going on with various foreign companies. He said two companies will soon give briefing about this project. Earlier, the chief secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue and the transport secretary briefed the meeting on action against Qabza groups and improvement of public transport.

Source: http://lahoremasstransit.blogspot.com/2009/12/shahbaz-sharif-briefing-on-lahore-mass.html

December 22nd, 2009, 08:12 PM

I'll punch the next guy talking about lahore or karachi rapid mass transit. All these f****** politicians can do is just talk and talk and talk.

We'll talk about it when the first line gets completed and trains train carrying the first passengers. This is a complete waste of forum space and bandwidth. :ohno:

RANA AAA

December 23rd, 2009, 04:11 AM

yeah u are right they cant even built that 10 to 12 km multan road and LRMTS is such a big project

on the other side they will say they dont have enough funds then why the waste of time

yeah also lock this thread like Mabrak center until we will get any real update or news for this project

December 23rd, 2009, 12:15 PM

Come to think of it, we started this thread by a RMTS for Lahore and a Maglev for Karachi and we had bullet trains running in between...I think the next Govt. should go for nothing less than teleportation. :lol:

oogabooga

December 23rd, 2009, 12:43 PM

Ahmad Rashid Ahmad

December 23rd, 2009, 06:05 PM

:lol:

Ahmad Rashid Ahmad

January 21st, 2010, 09:31 PM

CM Shahbaz Sharif has visited Istanbul & London metros in his recent tour to Turkey & UK.........hopefully, soon we will also listen some good news......

RANA AAA

January 23rd, 2010, 01:02 AM

he also visted the metro of Iran when he was in Iran 3 to 4 month ago

January 23rd, 2010, 03:24 PM

A complete survey for a RMTS had been done by the previous govt. Four essential lines had been identified and mapped out. I think if we wants to actually do something, he should go ahead with that project instead of using govt. funds for his tourism.

In the end, it will just be "we didn't have enough time to complete the project". Sure, you didn't...because you spent all the time and money on your world tour.

Ahmad Rashid Ahmad

January 23rd, 2010, 07:07 PM

CM tour of Turkey was useful for bringing Investment......

They should start this project now, if they are serious......

purenyork123

January 24th, 2010, 05:23 AM

Okay honestly, I just read the news today and elahi said "enough work was done to launch this metro just in time for world cup on 2010 if it were to happen."
Shame and now apparently they are launching another 3rd party evaluation...

Strong Hearted

January 24th, 2010, 09:57 AM

^^ dont go on wht these politicians say.they had more than enough time to start this project.same kind of statements would be given by current govt once their tenure is over. we should admit that such mega projects are nearly impossible to become a reality in our country ! its just a dream project nothing more !

January 24th, 2010, 11:55 AM

dont go on wht these politicians say.they had more than enough time to start this project.same kind of statements would be given by current govt once their tenure is over. we should admit that such mega projects are nearly impossible to become a reality in our country ! its just a dream project nothing more !

Keeping politics aside, I think the previous govt. had come close to implementing it. Surely it took them time and effort. I don't think any survey existed prior to that and it takes time to find investors.

This is something published in the papers today if you can read in between the political stuff.

PML-N dumped mega projects, says Pervaiz

PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has alleged the incumbent provincial government had abandoned multi-billion dollar foreign-funded projects such as ‘Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System’ and Abu Dahbi Centre at Ferozepur Road due to their inefficiency and lack of vision.

Addressing a press conference, Pervaiz claimed that the execution of LRMTS project would have helped the provincial government address traffic problems, environment pollution and oil consumption. He claimed that the city traffic could have a different look altogether had this project been implemented. The Asian Development Bank and private sector had agreed to put $1 billion each in the project, and the Punjab government $400 million, he added.

He regretted that the current PML-N government has abandoned the project only because it was started by the PML-Q government. He urged media to inform the people about injustices being done to them by the PML-N government. He claimed that he would raise this issue in Punjab Assembly through Opposition Leader Chaudhry Zaheer and Deputy Opposition Leader Ahmed Yar Hiraj.

About the LRMTS project, Pervaiz said it included 97 kilometres of underground and elevated passages. In the first phase, it had linked Hamza Town on the Ferozepur Road to Shahdara. He said his government had planned to complete it before 2011 prior to the schedule of Cricket World Cup in 2012. He deplored that the current PML-N government simply lost interest and let the ADB loan expire in June 2009. The project had the capacity to cater to 35,000 passengers every hour, making it 350,000 commuters in ten hours.

“It is criminal negligence and we are taking our case to the people of Punjab to assess for themselves who was, or is, serving them better,” he said.

Flanked by Ch Zaheeruddin, he said that the party would raise the matter on the floor of the Punjab Assembly.

The project was well studied and thought out. Urban reliance on public transport system in Lahore is almost 60 per cent. In Vietnam, where such reliance was only 20 per cent, it rose rapidly with the introduction of rapid mass transit system, he said.

In India, the rapid mass transit system started in Kolkatta and in Delhi. The Delhi Metro is now the second largest underground rapid transit system in India, he said. Due to the introduction of rapid mass transit system, the Indian society has witnessed a rapid economic, social and cultural transformation. For the financial year ending March 2008, it reported operating revenues of Rs3 billion ($62.89 million), with a profit of $4.12 million.

Lahore, with a population of over 9 million, is the country’s 2nd largest city with a growth rate of four per cent. Its transport system, which has horizontal not vertical growth, is poorly developed and under-maintained. Due to high economic growth during 2002-07, vehicle ownership growth also accelerated leading to increased congestion, poor environment and degradation in quality of life, further exacerbating by diverse traffic mix and lack of traffic and pedestrian discipline. According to an international survey more than 1.35 million passenger trip take place in Lahore daily, he said.

The city is suffering annual loss of $100 million due to the absence of rapid, efficient, convenient, time and fuel saving mode of transportation. It has been a huge set back to real estate development, environmental pollution control and contributed to the flight of foreign capital and international investments, he claimed.

“Every concerned citizen of Lahore must ask the current provincial government what made it dump the project of public welfare on political and personal grounds,” he said.