The Punjab Transport Department has taken a historic step to provide modern travel facilities to Lahore residents by initiating Pakistan’s first fully underground metro train service, the Blue Line Metro Project.
Government sources said the 27-kilometre Blue Line, running from Valencia Town to Babu Sabu Chowk, will include underground stations at Johar Town, Faisal Town, Garden Town, Kalma Chowk, Gulberg, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, Wahdat Road, and Allama Iqbal Town.
The project aims to carry over 250,000 passengers daily.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif instructed the provincial transport minister to fast-track feasibility and design work. Once finalized, the report will detail the project cost, financing model, and construction timeline.
The total cost is expected to exceed Rs600 billion, with tunneling machinery capable of digging 6 meters per day.
Sources confirmed that financial institutions from China, Japan, and France have expressed interest in funding the project. Initial studies by JICA and Turkish consultants were completed in 2016, followed by a new transport study in June 2024.
While the original plan proposed 12 km underground, the final Blue Line route will now be fully underground.
Authorities aim to complete the project within three years, with initial funding and PC-I expected in the 2026-27 budget. Officials said the project will significantly improve commuting in Lahore while modernizing the city’s transport infrastructure.
