Lahore: The Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project is expected to undergo a testing phase by October 20 as most of its electric, mechanic and civil work has achieved completion status, a news source reported. As per officials, the inauguration event is scheduled for December; with the trial-run process expected to continue till the project’s formal inauguration.
As per reports, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is waiting for a green signal from CR-Norinco, the Chinese company working on the OLMT project as a joint venture, to commence with the testing phase. The remaining work is expected to be completed within 10 days.
The testing phase is expected to continue for a few months during which the train will be run by Chinese drivers and engineers on the 27-kilometre-long track. Moreover, local engineers will be trained to operate the OLMT service during its test-run phase.
The Punjab government recently sought retendering of the maintenance and operations contract of the mega project. The Punjab Mass Transit Authority has been put to the task and the authority has reinstated the process. The contract will be awarded soon as two potential Chinese bidders are already being evaluated.
