ver the past couple of decades, Lahore has seen some mega-budget mass transit projects come to life. The recently unveiled Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 promises more. This includes transport and development projects that aim to modernise the city, improve public services and make Lahore greener and more environment-friendly.

To start with, the Punjab government is going to launch six major transport projects for Lahore, at an estimated cost of over Rs 310 billion. These projects include four new extension lines for the Orange Line Metro Train; a cable car system; a 24-kilometre rail-based transit line named Yellow Line, along the Canal; and the introduction of shuttle bus service and 600 electric buses in different parts of the city. These projects are expected to complete in phases by 2026.

The Yellow Line project is being mounted on a budget of Rs 80 billion. This 24-kilometre line will run from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura. Besides, funds have been allocated for the construction of urban bus depots. These include one at Thokar (Rs 500 million), another near the City Railway Station (Rs 400 million) and electric bus depots (Rs 200 million).

The budget allocation for transport sector is Rs 85 billion. The funds will also be used for the uplift of the existing bus stands and establishing new ones across the Punjab, besides strengthening the........

© The News on Sunday