OLMT project's estimated cost soars to over Rs 240 billion

The estimated cost of the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project has soared to over Rs 240 billion from earlier estimated cost of Rs 165 billion after suspension of work on different sites of the project for 22 months following litigation in courts, Business Recorder has learnt through reliable sources.
The Punjab government had kicked off construction work of the project on 25th October, 2015, with completion date of 25th December 2017. On different petitions, the Lahore High Court had ordered to suspend the construction work within 200 feet of 11 historical sites to save them from damage. Nine out of 11 locations where work was halted on LHC's order included Shalimar Gardens, Gulabi Bagh Gateway, Buddhu Ka Awa, Lakshmi Building, GPO, Aiwan-e-Auqaf, Supreme Court's Registry Building, St Andrew s Church, Lahore and Darbar Mauj Darya Bukhari including fall in Package-I while the Chauburji and Zeb-un-Nisa Tomb fall in Package-II.
As per details made available, Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project is consisted of Package I to IV. Package-I begins from Dera Gujrana and ends at Chauburji. This route is 13.6 kilometers long and 88 percent construction work on this package has been completed. Package-II begins from Chauburji and ends at Ali Town. This route is 13.5 kilometers long and 37 percent construction work on this package is still pending. The depot located at Dera Gujrana in Lahore makes Package-III of the project and 84 percent construction work on this site has been concluded. Stabling yard of the project located at Ali Town makes Package-IV of the landmark project and 82 percent construction work on this site has been completed. As far as electrical and mechanical work is concerned, only 32 percent has been finalized.
Moreover, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif paid surprised visit to the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project early morning without protocol. He started his visit at 06:00am in the morning and reached Thokar Niaz Baig and inspected the project route till Jain Mandir. During this visit, Shahbaz inspected construction work of the project and reviewed progress on civil, mechanical and electrical works.
Talking to contractors, staff and concerning officials at the site, the chief minister said they should leave no stone unturned to complete the project in time and pace of the work on the project should be further enhanced. He said this project will change transport culture and the common man will be able to reach their destination with honour and comfort.
He directed the CTO to make best efforts to provide alternate routes to citizens along under-construction OLMT route so that citizens do not face problems. The chief minister was also given a briefing on the project during his visit. Chief Steering Committee on OLMT Khawaja Ahmed Hassan, MD Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Commissioner Lahore Division, DG LDA and Ahad Cheema were also present on the occasion.