By Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is set to lay the foundation stone of the long-awaited Faisalabad Orange Line Metro/Tram corridor immediately after Eid-ul-Fitr, marking a major milestone in Punjab’s expanding mass transit network.
The 21.3-kilometer project, estimated to cost Rs80 billion, has successfully cleared all major planning stages and received PC-1 approval, enabling authorities to move forward with full-scale construction. Officials confirmed that final preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony are underway.
High-Level Review and Final Preparations
According to a report by Dunya News, the announcement came during a high-level review meeting led by Captain (Retired) Zahid Saeed, Member of the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) and former Chief Secretary of Punjab. The meeting was also attended by Divisional Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar and other senior officials.
Discussions focused on final arrangements for the launch ceremony, relocation of utilities, and coordination among departments to prevent delays once construction begins.
Route Details and Key Features
Under the approved plan, the Orange Line corridor will stretch from Faisal Town on Jaranwala Road to Tahir Pura on Jhang Road. The route will include:
- 21 modern stations
- Two depots
- Six U-turns for improved traffic flow
- 27 metro buses
- Two tram services
The integrated design aims to combine bus rapid transit (BRT) with tram services, creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly public transport solution.
Utility Relocation and Safety Measures
To ensure smooth execution, key utility agencies — including WASA, FESCO, Sui Northern Gas, PTCL, the Parks and Horticulture Authority, the Municipal Corporation, and the Traffic Police — have been directed to complete alignment surveys and submit demand notices within 10 days.
Timely relocation of water pipelines, electricity lines, gas infrastructure, and telecommunications systems is considered critical to keeping the project on schedule.
Authorities have also emphasized strict safety protocols during construction. Alternate traffic routes will be planned to minimize disruption, and clear public communication campaigns will inform residents about temporary road changes.
Transforming Urban Mobility in Faisalabad
Faisalabad, one of Punjab’s largest industrial hubs, has experienced rapid population growth and increased economic activity in recent years. As a result, daily commuting has become increasingly challenging due to traffic congestion and limited public transport options.
The Faisalabad Orange Line Metro project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, ease congestion, and improve connectivity between commercial and residential zones. Once operational, it will not only modernize the city’s transport system but also support sustainable urban development and economic growth.
With groundbreaking set for shortly after Eid-ul-Fitr, Faisalabad is poised to enter a new era of mass transit infrastructure.
