China gives Pakistan unique gift! A train which will run on road and not on railway track, top speed to be…, will run in…
China has always been helping bankrupt Pakistan in several ways. Sometimes with financial package and sometimes with construction. China has even proved that it has Pakistan’s back by backing it during Operation Sindoor.
However, it recently gave a gift to dear friend Pakistan. A type of metro has been started in Lahore city of Pakistan, which runs directly on the road, not on tracks and is being called ‘Subway on Wheels’. It is also Pakistan’s first trackless and ticketless metro. This modern metro has been built in China and it is completely environment friendly, which is being considered a big achievement for Pakistan. This metro has started running in Lahore and it was flagged off by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
This scheme is not limited to Lahore only, rather the Punjab government plans to run similar metros in 30 cities in the coming time. Its aim is to make urban transport modern and clean. Known as ‘Metro on Wheels’, this is Pakistan’s first trackless and ticketless solar-powered metro.
What are the special features of trackless metro?
- The ART system will use electric multi-coach buses with a capacity of 250 to 300 passengers.
- These trains will not require expensive tracks or elevated corridors, making them faster and cheaper to operate in all types of urban centers.
- This fully electric transport system can potentially replace 100 cars, helping to reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
- The SRT/ART model combines the best features of a tram (streetcar) and a bus with the precision of a train, thanks to a virtual rail system.
- The trains can be charged at solar-powered smart stations and will also have features like WiFi and CCTV surveillance.
What is the need of trackless metro service?
The trackless metro is part of a five-year masterplan to overhaul the public transportation system in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The first phase of the project will be launched in Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, while each phase is expected to cover 10 cities over the next four years. “This modern metro will be a fully solar-powered, smart transportation solution for Punjab. We are not just creating infrastructure; we are also bringing equity in mobility,” Sharif was quoted as saying in the report.
He further said, “Every city deserves a modern transport system. This initiative will address urban inequalities and improve the quality of life of millions of people.” If the trials in Lahore are successful, formal operations could begin by 2026, followed by expansion to other major urban centres including Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
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