After five years of continuous operations (2020–2025), the Orange Line Metro Rail (OLMT) Lahore launched as Pakistan’s first metro rail system has crossed an impressive 270 million riders, said a report released by OLMT the Management, according to Gwadar Pro on Sunday.

Today, the system serves over 250,000 commuters daily, providing a reliable alternative to congested road travel and significantly reducing journey times across Lahore.

“Stretching over 27 kilo meters with 26 stations, the Orange Line connects key residential, commercial, and educational areas of Lahore, from Dera Gujran to Ali Town, providing efficient and affordable transportation to hundreds of thousands of passengers every day,” the report mentioned.

Since its inauguration in October 2020, OLMT has seen rapid growth in ridership. In its first two years, the metro carried about 50 million passengers, demonstrating increasing adoption by urban commuters. 

By mid-2023, the system had reached 100 million total passengers, marking continued growth. By late 2024, cumulative ridership exceeded 200 million passengers, reflecting sustained demand.

With dedicated tracks, automated signalling, and modern rolling stock, the system ensures punctuality and reduced travel time compared to conventional road transport, the report added. 

It has completed more than 512,000 trips in five years with a punctuality rate of around 99%, ensuring dependable service for commuters.

“Comfort features include air-conditioned trains, clean stations, elevators, escalators, and clear passenger information systems, making the Orange Line accessible and comfortable for people of all ages, including women, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities,” the report revealed.

The project has also created over 2,000 local jobs, contributing to skill development and economic opportunities within the region.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China