LAHORE: The Orange Line Metro Train under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) started trial operations under the management of a joint venture (Norinco International Cooperation-Guangzhou Metro Group (GMG)-Daewoo Pakistan Express) led by Norinco International. The preparatory work has entered the final stage with commercial operation expected to start soon.

It is pertinent to mention that in February 2020, Norinco International, as the leading company, joined hands with Guangzhou Metro Group (GMG) and Pakistan Daewoo Company to form a joint venture team which successfully won the contract for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of Orange Line for the next eight years.

After the O&M contract was signed, the joint operation and maintenance team carried out various forms of recruitment and skill trainings. The Chinese mentors imparted professional rail transit knowledge to the local students and both the sides established a deep friendship between the teachers and trainees. So far, the joint team has completed recruitment, skills training, joint survey, and re-test, and is well prepared for the opening.

With the launch of Orange Line, it is estimated that nearly 250,000 passengers will be facilitated with this service every day and the commuting time through the northern and southern urban areas of the city will be significantly reduced from 2.5 hours to 45 minutes.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020