Punjab plans Pakistan’s first fully underground Blue Line Metro in Lahore

Lahore: The Punjab Transport Department has initiated Pakistan’s first fully underground metro train project, the Blue Line Metro, aimed at modernising public transport in the provincial capital. The 27-kilometre route will run from Valencia Town to Babu Sabu Chowk with underground stations at Johar Town, Faisal Town, Garden Town, Kalma Chowk, Gulberg, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, Wahdat Road and Allama Iqbal Town. The system is expected to carry more than 250,000 passengers daily. Officials estimate the project cost may exceed Rs600 billion, with feasibility and design work being fast-tracked. Funding interest has reportedly emerged from financial institutions in China, Japan and France for the major urban transport initiative.