Orange Line Train Stations in Lahore to be Converted to Solar Energy

A recent delegation was held to celebrate 100 million rides completion. The CEO of Orange Line Train System, Mr Li Chen, announced the solarization of OLMT stations is in full swing.

According to Mr Chen;

“Pakistan is a country of tal­ented people, it is necessary to provide them with opportu­nities for development. Paki­stani engineers have proved their skills by successfully run­ning the Orange Line project. China will continue to support Pakistan in every development project.” 

In an interview, the General Manager of Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Ozair Shah, said that solarizing OLMT is necessary as the per unit electricity cost varies between PKR 18 to PKR 21, making it difficult to run the entire function of OLMT for a longer time.

He added, “One of the plans is to build up a solar plant with the capacity of 50 MG or 70 MG. The solar plant will activate a mechanism of input to output through WeLink to power up OLMT instead of using traditional electricity apparatus,” 

According to sources, electrifying Orange Train operations with solar energy would save more than PKR 1.9 billion in annual electricity bills.

The Deputy GM of Orange Line, Mr Umar Chishti, stated that the OLMT facilitates civilians with comfortable and affordable rides. The Orange Line Train System gives its travellers PKR 7 per kilometre subsidy. He also underscored the successful operations and maintenance of the Orange Line Train system, highlighting that there has been no accident or technical breakdown happening in 3 years. Moreover, he added that the spare parts of the OLMT are manufactured locally to facilitate the locals even more. He also highlighted that after the success of the Orange Train, the Blue Line and Purple Line projects are also in progress.

The Orange Line Train System was constructed under CPEC, and China completed the project utilizing the 3rd of the budget provided compared to other global companies. Operating under Punjab’s Mass Transit Authority, the Orange Line Train System was inaugurated on 25 October 2020, and since then, it has provided affordable and swift transportation to millions of people across the city.

Also Read: Pakistan’s Railway Stations to be Powered With Solar Energy