The Orange Line Metro Rail Transit System (OLMRTS) in Lahore, Pakistan, has transformed urban mobility with over 161.5 million riders since its 2020 launch. Operating with high punctuality and local staffing, OLMRTS underscores sustainable development by reducing traffic congestion and boosting economic activity, showcasing its pivotal role in Pakistan's modernization efforts.

In this fast-paced world, we need something even faster and safer to help us reach our destinations and save valuable time. To address this need, metro rail systems (MRS) were introduced. Since their inception, MRS have significantly eased commuting between locations, minimizing travel time and costs. These systems offer numerous advantages, playing a crucial role in driving economic development and promoting sustainable growth. They not only provide efficient, reliable transportation but also reduce traffic congestion, travel time, and fuel consumption, thereby enhancing overall productivity. Additionally, the construction, operation, and maintenance of metro rail systems generate employment opportunities across various sectors, contributing to economic stability and growth.
With the assistance of these systems, people have reduced their reliance on vehicles, significantly contributing to decreased environmental impacts such as air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and fossil fuel dependency. This contributes to environmental sustainability and improves public health. The Orange Line Metro Rail Transit System (OLMRTS) in Pakistan has been a pioneering initiative in clean and green transportation, operating successfully for several years. It has enhanced accessibility, boosted consumer spending, attracted business investments, and spurred overall economic activity in urban areas.
When discussing the advantages provided by these systems, we consider benefits not only for individuals but also for governments. MRS help governments save on infrastructure costs related to road maintenance and expansion, facilitate easier traffic management, and provide safe and comfortable public transportation. This dual benefit makes MRS a cost-effective solution for both stakeholders.

The Orange Line Metro Rail Transit System (OLMRTS) in Pakistan has been a pioneering initiative in clean and green transportation, operating successfully for several years. It has enhanced accessibility, boosted consumer spending, attracted business investments, and spurred overall economic activity in urban areas.

Another aspect to look at through these systems is how China, like many other projects, has significantly contributed to this project. China has consistently supported Pakistan's development through diverse initiatives, partnerships, and investments, actively bolstering Pakistan's economy.
China has been involved in developing key infrastructure projects in Pakistan under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which commenced in 2013. China's Export-Import (EXIM) Bank has been crucial in the successful execution of many strategic projects that Chinese leadership launched globally under the flagship of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 
Regarding the MRS, the vision was initiated by international consultants in 2006, proposing four metro train lines in Lahore to address rapid urbanization and public transportation needs. After some time, this vision became a reality with full financial backing from the EXIM Bank. In 2014, at the request of the Pakistani government, the Chinese Premier agreed to implement the OLMRTS Project under a government-to-government (G2G) deal. It is also the first CPEC project to secure intellectual property rights from the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) of Pakistan.
With the collaboration of EXIM Bank, the Chinese companies, China Railway Corporation and China North Industry Corporation (CR-NORINCO), successfully executed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) phase of the project. 

China's Export-Import (EXIM) Bank has been crucial in the successful execution of many strategic projects that Chinese leadership launched globally under the flagship of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

OLMRTS is the first, initial, and most strategic mass transit project completed under CPEC in 2018. The project aimed to streamline local transport with a touch of luxury bus service embedded in advanced technology and comfort. Locals travel through public transport, and OLMRTS was a step in revolutionizing the process with affordability. It has completed more than 3,59,770 safe trips and travelled more than 45,600,847.5 (45.6 million) kilometers. It also has a 99.999 percent punctuality rate, which means nobody will ever be late to the office. This metro rail transit system was executed with a soft loan (total contract value of USD 1.626 billion) by China’s EXIM Bank and currently in operation since October 26, 2020, with successful 161,542,862 (more than 161.5 million) ridership, adding value and transforming the lives of millions of its people in the capital city of the province of Punjab, Lahore. It has also provided more job opportunities as 97.5 percent of staff are localized. With these people's help, they could run their lives smoothly without hustling too much and out of their comfort zones.

This metro rail transit system was executed with a soft loan (total contract value of USD 1.626 billion) by China’s EXIM Bank and currently in operation since October 26, 2020, with successful 161,542,862 (more than 161.5 million) ridership, adding value and transforming the lives of millions of its people in the capital city of the province of Punjab, Lahore. 

EXIM Bank of China and its team of highly qualified and professional leadership provided on-time funds as per the project schedules and remained an integral part of the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA), Department of Transport, Government of Punjab for the exponential cost savings and on-time execution of the project. Therefore, unconditional support and the EXIM Bank of China's role in the Orange Line Project have enabled its construction and eventual operation. 

With more initiatives like OLMRTS, Pakistan can be empowered and scale towards becoming a developed nation within no time. These initiatives are among the most effective ways to promote a zero-carbon footprint-sustainable future and a greener environment.

To conclude, it has been advantageous for people of all sorts and has impacted the economy and the overall population. This project has done everything from giving job opportunities to contributing to a safe environment, providing safe travels to the people, and saving government costs. With more initiatives like OLMRTS, Pakistan can be empowered and scale towards becoming a developed nation within no time. These initiatives are among the most effective ways to promote a zero-carbon footprint-sustainable future and a greener environment. These projects can change the fate of Pakistan and make it one of the most successful if done with honesty and integrity.

The writer Yang Ke is the General Manager of OLMRTS, and Nouman Akbar is the Deputy General Manager of Safety and Technology at OLMRTS.