Transport in Lahore
There are several modes of transport available in Lahore.
Bus services
Bus rapid transit
Lahore Metro Bus System
The Lahore Metro Bus System (MBS) is Pakistan's first bus rapid transit system that runs from Gajju Mata to Shahdara down Lahore's main artery, Ferozepur Road. The route has forty-five 18-metre-long articulated buses that run between twenty-seven stations along a 27 km corridor; nine stations are built on top of an overhead bridge.[1]
It was inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on February 11, 2013, in a ceremony attended by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The service was free for one month after launch.[2]
The Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA), a subsidiary of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), was entrusted with the task of constructing the MBS, a copy of Istanbul's Metrobus, its own BRT system, in collaboration with Turkish experts. The project ended up costing Rs 29.8 billion.[2] It replaced the shelved the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit system which would have connected Shahdra and Hamza Town but would have cost $2.4 billion.[1]
TransLahore
TransLahore also known as Lahore Transport Company (LTC) is a public transit bus system established for the carrying of urban passengers in Lahore, Punjab.[3] It also operates a bus rapid transit system in Lahore. However, the BRTs do not have dedicated lanes and right of privilege. It was established under the companies ordinance of 1984. LTC got all the transport responsibilities of traveling in Lahore in December 2009.The fleet of TransLahore has more than 650 buses which run throughout the city as well as sub-urban areas of the city.
It travels under routes issued by the Government of Punjab.[4] It issues students "Green Card", which means that PKR 10 will be charged by the students on LTC's Buses.[5] The buses are air conditioned and have separate sections for men and women.
Bus companies
Several bus companies also operate in Lahore. Premier Bus Services, owned by the Beaconhouse Group, was started in 2003, and provides transportation services to the general public in Lahore. With over 240 buses running on exclusive routes, it is the largest public transport company in Pakistan. As of 2010[update], the buses are in the process of being converted to compressed natural gas for environmental and economic reasons.[6]
Sammi Daewoo's City Bus Division operates four routes within the city and two suburban routes for Gujranwala and Sheikhupura.[7]
Lahore Metro
| Lahore Metro | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Native name | لاہور میٹرو |
| Locale | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Transit type | Rapid transit |
| Number of lines | 3 |
| Operation | |
| Operation will start | 2017 |
| Operator(s) | Lahore Mass Transit Authority |
| Technical | |
| System length | 76 km (47.22 mi) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
The Lahore Metro or Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System (LRMTS) is an under construction rapid transit system (metro train system) for Lahore, the second largest city of Pakistan.[8] First proposed in 1991, funding was not secured, and in 2012 it was abandoned by the Punjab government in favour of the more cost–effective Lahore Metro Bus System which opened in February 2013. However, the Punjab Government decided to restart development on the Lahore Metro as a $1.6 billion project[9] with Chinese assistance. The Orange Line, which will be 27.1-kilometre (16.8 mi) long (25.4 kilometres (15.8 mi) of which will be elevated),[10] will be the first line of the project and is under construction.[9]
Railways
Railways and commuter trains
Pakistan Railways is headquartered in Lahore.[11] Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation for commuters and connects distant parts of the country with Lahore for business, sightseeing, pilgrimage, and education. The Lahore Central Railway Station, built during the British colonial era, is located in the heart of the city.
Airport
[12] To accommodate increased air travel, the government built a new city airport in 2003. It was named Allama Iqbal International Airport after the national poet-philosopher of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and is served by international airlines.[13] as well as the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines.[14] The previous airport now operates as the Hajj terminal[15] to facilitate the great influx of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj[16] every year.[17] Lahore also has a general aviation airport known as Walton Airport.[18]
See also
References
- ^ a b Khan, Rameez (14 February 2012). "Rapid Bus Transit System: Plans for First Bus-Only Road Stretch Extended". The Express Tribune.
- ^ a b Hasnain, Khalid (11 February 2013). "Lahore Turns Festive as Metro Bus Service Opens". Dawn.
- ^ http://www.ltc.gop.pk/Profile.htm
- ^ http://www.ltc.gop.pk/Opportunities.htm
- ^ http://ltc.gop.pk/greencard/
- ^ "Group Profile". The Beaconhouse group. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
- ^ "Daewoo Express (Dream Journey)".
- ^ "$1.6bn Lahore metro train deal signed with China". Dawn.com. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 2014-11-23.
- ^ a b http://www.hcs.com.pk/index.php/projects/projects-completed.html
- ^ "City to lose 620 trees for Orange Line train".
- ^ "Pakistan Railways".
- ^ http://lahoreairport.com.pk
- ^ caapakistan.com.pk – Airport Statistics
- ^ http://www.historyofpia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=18765 Pictorial history of Lahore Airport.
- ^ https://twitter.com/aftabgilani73/status/566503143194644483 Lahore Airport Hajj Lounge after upgradation
- ^ Etihad Airways opens dedicated aircraft line maintenance facility in Lahore Pakistan
- ^ DHL and Etihad Cargo increase connectivity through the Middle East
- ^ http://www.historyofpia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=18765 March 27, 1961 News Report - Lahore to Have a New Airport