From White Elephant to Success: BRI Project Witnesses Surge in Ridership

I reminisce, about being invited along with some journalists from Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos to a briefing at the headquarters of the China Railway Group in Beijing. We were briefed in detail on transportation projects ongoing in Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos with China's cooperation. The briefing included the completion of the Orange Line Metro Train project in Lahore, Pakistan.

I had the opportunity to interview an officer who assured the completion of the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train project when he was posted in Lahore. Mr. Yunlin, the Executive Deputy General Manager of the Orange Line Project Department of Lahore Rail Transit, China Railway International Co., Ltd., told me that ridership on the orange train will increase day by day when people use this service. He also mentioned that this not only eases traffic congestion but also makes public transportation more accessible and convenient for the citizens of Lahore. Today, it has been proven true when the Punjab Mass Transit Authority released figures indicating an increase in public trust in public transport services, setting a new record with a large number of passengers traveling.

The increase in petroleum product prices has forced citizens to opt for the use of public transport, leading to a noticeable rise in the usage of public transport in Pakistan. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, services like the Orange Line Train are benefiting a large number of people in Lahore, Punjab. Not only the Orange Line Train, but also transport services like Lahore, Multan, and Pakistan Metro buses, speedo bus services, and feeder bus services are witnessing an increase in passengers.

According to the statistics released by the Punjab Transport Department, on February 12, 2024, the Punjab Mass Transit Authority set a new record for public transport services, with nine hundred forty-five thousand, eight hundred ninety-nine travelers using these services in a single day. Among these, two hundred seventy-seven thousand, eight hundred seventy-three passengers traveled on the Orange Line Train service, which is reported to be the highest number of passengers traveling on any public transport service so far.

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Chief Minister Punjab shared a statement on X (Twitter) and said, "Alhamdulillah! Punjab Mass Transit Authority sets a new record for the highest number of passengers carried in one day! On Feb 12, 2024, 945,899 passengers rode with PMTA, showcasing the department's efficiency and immense potential. A proud moment indeed!"

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This moment of pride highlights the increasing public trust in public transport services in Punjab. However, it's worth revisiting the past when projects like the Orange Line Train and Lahore Metro Bus were heavily criticized but are now benefiting ordinary citizens. The Orange Line Train project, which was previously dubbed as a "white elephant" by political parties like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, faced numerous obstacles and delays, resulting in increased costs. Nevertheless, today, the authorities of the Punjab Mass Transit Authority proudly acknowledge the growing trust of the people in these services.
The Orange Train project in Pakistan, part of the ongoing CPEC initiative, was completed in line with Chinese President Mr. Xi's BRI vision. The China Railway Group led the project to fruition through a joint venture. Despite initial criticism about the project's financing from China, today, as people enjoy the convenient service, it's a moment of reflection for past critics. Thanks to the support of the Chinese government, the Orange Train is a valuable asset for Lahore residents, providing comfortable travel akin to the subway service in Beijing.