International Experts to be Hired for Lahore Rapid Mass Transit Project

FAISALABAD (March 27 2008): A team of two international specialists will be recruited for preparing the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System, said official sources. They said that the team would work in co-ordination with all interested parties of the Punjab Government and the major development agencies active in the sector.

The team will assist the Punjab Government to review and comment on due diligence report, financial model, regulatory arrangements, transaction structure, draft agreements, pre-qualification and bidding documents, and evaluation report; and facilitate in negotiating with the bidders.Sources stated that the expected impact of the Project will be the initiation of a long-term transport system investment program that will enable Lahore to make a greater contribution to national development, while improving in the quality of life for the city residents, including the poor.

The project outcome will be an investment project design and financing agreed upon by the Government and ADB.The ADB assistance provides a key intervention of the long-term partnership between ADB and Pakistan for the development of Lahore's transport sector. This project also supports a recruitment of a transaction advisor to help formulate, structure, and take to the market a public-private partnership (PPP) for the first priority line of a proposed rapid mass transit system (RMTS) in Lahore.

The transaction advisory work will also be carried out in three phases: preparation, implementation, and negotiation. During the preparation phase, the transaction advisor will carry out technical and legal due diligence, design the detailed structure and terms of the transaction, market the transaction with potential investors, and develop pre-qualification and bidding documents as well as the necessary contracts.

During the implementation stage, the transaction advisor will assist the Government in obtaining any approvals and permits required, pre-qualifying potential investors, carrying out the bidding process, evaluating proposals, awarding the contract and holding negotiations, with lenders.

Viaducts Use in LRMTS

The LRMTS Priority (Green) Line will be elevated in outer, less congested sections of the alignment stretching:

• In the South from Hamza Town to Model Town North, a distance of approximately 11km
• In the North from Data Darbar to Shahdara, a distance of under 5 km

For such a long viaduct (totalling about 16km) supporting a rail system, it is of paramount importance to select a design concept that takes into consideration the following aspects:

• Speed of construction: The structure needs to be erected as quickly as possible in order to achieve the contract schedule and open the line on time. Moreover, the disruption of roads and traffic as well as mobilization on site are limited if construction time is minimized.

• Cost-effectiveness: The cost of the Civil Works is a major component of the total Capital Cost necessary for such an important project. An economical viaduct structure complying with all design standards will reduce the cost and make the technical project more competitive.

• Minimum disturbance on road traffic: The LRMTS viaduct will follow a main arterial road of the city of Lahore, Ferozepur Road. The design of the viaduct as well as the construction method implemented on site should minimize, as far as possible, the impacts on the road traffic and avoid any traffic blockages at all times.

• Limited visual impact on urban environment: The service life of the LRMTS viaduct will be approximately 100 years. Therefore, the visual aspect of the structure must be carefully designed as it is very difficult to modify the architecture of the viaduct after the construction. The appearance of the structure will have to be both a landmark along the route for future generations and to minimize the visual intrusion on those affected.

• Full integration with system: The concept adopted will have to make provision for all the system requirements of the LRMTS system and to be as flexible as possible to cater for possible future changes in the system.

For both speed of construction and cost-effectiveness, the structural concept most suitable for this kind of long viaduct is a pre-stressed concrete viaduct using a precast segmental construction method.


Pre-stressed concrete structures are nowadays much more economical than other structure types while being reliable and durable.

This kind of structure is generally associated with precast segmental construction. The method involves prefabricating the structure parts in a separate casting plant yard. The members are then transported on site and assembled by pre-stressing to complete the structure.

This standardisation of the construction has several major advantages:
better quality of structure as it is made separately in a plant with a better QA control than on site;
• increased speed of construction as only the erection of structure parts is done on site;

• disturbance of traffic drastically reduced as only the erection of segments is done on site.

Precast segmental construction is also associated with the span-by-span construction method using auto-launching erection devices, called "launching girders".

For LRMTS viaduct, the bridge will consist of short spans, typically 25m long, simply supported on single piers and typically formed in the central median of the roadway, with a multiple pile foundation system.

The viaducts should be designed to a recognized international bridge design code taking into account railway loadings. Additionally international requirements for railway structures (UIC – Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer) shall be taken into account, as shall Pakistan Standards for seismic loading. The decks and supporting structures shall provide a minimum headroom clearance to the road below of 5.3m or equivalent Pakistan National design standard (whichever is the greater dimension).

For LRMTS viaduct, the bridge will consist of short spans, typically 25m long, simply supported on single piers and typically formed in the central median of the roadway, with a multiple pile foundation system.

The viaducts should be designed to a recognized international bridge design code taking into account railway loadings. Additionally international requirements for railway structures (UIC – Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer) shall be taken into account, as shall Pakistan Standards for seismic loading.

The decks and supporting structures shall provide a minimum headroom clearance to the road below of 5.3m or equivalent Pakistan National design standard (whichever is the greater dimension).

The "U-shape" viaduct system shown above is proposed for the elevated sections of the LRMTS.
The "U" shaped structure was first conceived by a system-wide multidisciplinary value engineering team of SYSTRA experts. The value-engineered structure integrates economically all components of the system in a very convenient and practical way, considering both installation and maintenance.

The so-called "U-shape" viaduct uses a U-shaped open channel girder as superstructure instead of the traditional box girder (or other beam supported types of decks). The tracks are placed directly on the bottom slab of the "U" girder.
The top of the "U" flange is used as a walkway at vehicle floor level, facilitating passenger evacuation from the train. This is a major advantage of "U" girder design with regard to safety compared to other common viaducts.

Signals, signalling boxes, telephones, if any, can be installed on the "U" girder flanges in a convenient position for operation and maintenance as they are installed at a correct height for train drivers. Cables are routed on both sides of the "U" girder in cable trays fixed to the sides.
The other main advantages of the U-shape structure are:

• overall standardization of the project;

• optimization of construction methods and schedule;

• optimal integration with the environment;

• and will help to reduce the overall projects risks.

Safety requirements for railway viaducts include an anti-derailment device. In conventional structures, this function is met by provision of a concrete anti-derailment wall or counter-rail. With the U-shape viaduct, the rail vehicle is maintained between the flanges and does not need other additional device.
The environmental advantages of the U-shape viaduct are:

• reduced noise to pedestrians and occupiers of adjacent property, as the sides of the "U" are also used as a noise barriers; and

• reduced visual impact on the urban landscape as the depth of the viaduct deck is about depth of conventional viaduct deck

Mass Transit Plan: Jica to Conduct Study on Karachi FTDF from March 21

KARACHI (March 18 2008): A Japanese agency would launch 'scientific study' on Future Traffic Demand Forecast (FTDF) of Karachi to help the city planners establish an effective strategy and implementation plan of mass transportation for the metropolis.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) would start the survey within next few days as part of its technical assistance to the City District Government Karachi (CDGK), sources in Traffic & Communication Department of the CDGK told Business Recorder on Monday."A team of Jica experts is due in Pakistan on March 19 to conduct a scientific study on the city's future traffic demand," said Malik Zaheer-ul-Islam, director-general, Karachi Mass Transit Cell (KMTC).

It is worth mentioning here that according to a notification issued by the City Nazim on Monday that Malik Zaheer-ul-Islam is likely to take additional charge of the T&C Department as an executive district officer (EDO) within a day or so to look after affairs of the department.He said the Agency would start work from March 21 and would submit its report by the end of May or early June this year. The DG KMTC also clarified that Jica would conduct the study free of cost.

The Agency would estimate traffic of the metropolis, where the ever-present traffic problems like prolonged traffic jams, inefficient traffic police, illegal parkings, use of pressure horns, smoke emitting and unfit vehicles, entry of heavy vehicles in the city, etc have rendered roads of the city more vulnerable to fatal accidents on daily basis.According to sources, Jica would conduct estimation of the city's traffic by 'computer modeling' on the basis of "person trip study", which the Agency had conducted in 2005-06.They said the survey would also contribute to capacity development and CDGK's planning for regulating the transport sector.

To conduct a safe and proper study the Agency has sought "full and strong support" from the city district government in terms of expertise, coordination with traffic policy and necessary authority for fieldwork, sources said.By coordinating CDGK in the survey Jica was aiming to enable the former to learn how to conduct the study, sources said.

"Jica was putting technical transfer programme in the study for Pakistani side expecting that they (CDGK) can learn the series of work, including computer modeling through this study period and to conduct the same survey by themselves in future," added the sources.

PR to Gift Land to CDGK for Expressway

Major breakthrough on mega project as federal govt gives green signal

Karachi: The federal government has granted permission for the construction of a 24-kilometre long and 25-metre wide expressway from Karachi City to Landhi Railway Station on railway land. Pakistan Railways (PR) will soon issue a no objection certificate (NOC) to the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) in this regard.The project was earlier conceived as a highly controversial elevated expressway, called the Karachi Elevated Expressway (KEE), which was to run above Sharea Faisal from Quaidabad to Jinnah Bridge (Native Jetty).Informed sources told

The News that the caretaker prime minister approved the summary sent to him in this regard, while the Pakistan Railways has agreed to give its land to the CDGK for the purpose as a gift.Now the expressway will run along the railway line instead of Sharea Faisal, however, it would be given elevation only where required.According to sources, the CDGK is awaiting the NOC from Pakistan Railways following which the final agreement will be signed after re-evaluating the cost of the project with the Malaysian firm IJM Construction (PVt) Ltd.The original cost of the project was US$400 million and it is likely to be reduced to around US$380 million.

The IJM construction has established its office in Karachi and its chief executive used to make frequent visits from Malysia to monitor progress on the project.The psyche behind the project was, and is, to ease the burden on Sharea Faisal, which is the main artery of the metropolis and carries a heavy volume of traffic from all over the city owing to its central interconnection at different points.The Expressway, aside from providing a much-needed alternative route, thus easing traffic on the road, will also provide a faster route for commuters from the city centre to other points.

ECNEC to Decide Fate of Elevated Expressway in Karachi

KARACHI: The first meeting of the ECNEC (executive committee of the national economic council), which will be held after the formation of the new government, will decide whether the 24-kilometer Karachi Elevated Expressway would be built on Shahra-e-Faisal or along the right side of the railway tracks, City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal told Daily Times.

Elevated Expressways in Malaysia

He said that, earlier, the city government had planned to build the Karachi Elevated Expressway on Shahra-e-Faisal from Quaidabad to Jinnah Bridge (Native Jetty), however, former railway secretary Shakeel Durrani had approached the city government and asked it to use the land along the railway track instead.“The proposal was a good choice for not only the city government, but also for Pakistan Railways.

It would help the city government save on costs while the railway authorities would save billions of rupees worth of property from encroachers,” he said.Kamal mentioned that the railway authorities had asked the city government to remove the encroachments along the right side of the railway tracks from City Railway Station to Quaidabad Junction, and rehabilitate the encroachers on city government land. “We agreed with this, however, the secretary was transferred to Wapda and the project was abandoned for a while,” he said.

He said that President Pervez Musharraf, the former prime minister and other stakeholders had approved the project, and now the final approval will be given during the first ECNEC meeting. He added that the Malaysian firm has set up office in the city and has already started work. The Karachi Elevated Expressway project was awarded to Malaysian firm IJM Corporation, and it is to complete it at an estimated cost of 400 million dollars in two to three years.

The firm will run the project for 20 years, collect toll tax, and then it will be handed over to the city government.The 24-kilometer expressway consists of six proposed interchanges at Quaidabad, Star Gate, HIR (Karsaz) Road, Shahra-e-Quaideen, Hotel Metropole and Jinnah Bridge. It may also be mentioned that the city government signed the MoU (memorandum of understanding) with the Malaysian firm in March 2006 and the estimated cost at the time was 225 million dollars.

Good News For Karachi CNG Urban Transport Scheme

Foton committed to introduce CNG buses despite blasts

KARACHI (March 14 2008): Foton remains committed to introducing CNG buses on schedule in spite of the Lahore bombings and other distractions. Foton also condoled the death of Lahore bomb blasts. Joseph Verghese, Vice President of Foton America, said."We committed to this event in November, 2007. When we make a commitment to a market we follow through. We believe that the show must go on.

Typical Model of a Foton CNG Bus

We have been planning this event since our participation at the ANGVA 2007 conference in Bangkok last November. Coming to Pakistan was a carefully planned and deliberate move by the president of Foton America, Perry Blackerby. We have a passion for our products and for CNG.

We are in the CNG bus business and Pakistan is a market with great potential and opportunities.Foton has reconfirmed its commitment to participate in the Fuelling Pakistan 2008 conference and exhibition. Fuelling Pakistan is the largest international exhibition on "CNG, LPG and Alternative Sources of Energy" and is the second year of the event, after Fuelling Pakistan 2007.

The event is being held in Lahore from March 14th to March 16th.

The government will launch a pilot project on the public-private partnership basis for improving the public transport system of Karachi in June this year. The Senate Standing Committee on the Environment was informed on Thursday that the project would focus on plying CNG buses in the provincial metropolis.

The committee also recommended that the CNG buses and metro projects for big cities – especially Karachi – be pursued on a fast-track basis. It underlined the need to launch a crash programme for setting up industrial treatment plants in collaboration with city district governments and recommended matching grants for this purpose.

Pakistan Govt. serious about Mass Transit System in Mega Cities

Plan to develop urban transport system chalked out

KARACHI (March 13 2008): The federal government has chalked out a plan to develop the urban transport system and infrastructure with a view to providing fast, reliable, safe, and affordable services to the urban population. At present, the transport service and infrastructure had not kept pace with the growing demands of urban population, sources in Sindh regional transport department told Business Recorder on Tuesday. Lacks of proper management of transportation setup, urban areas are suffering from poor road condition, accidents, high-level maintenance cost of public transport, traffic congestion and air pollution, they said. Urban population is compelled to travel in overcrowded and unreliable public transport, besides poorly regulating it by concerned departments, they maintained.

Hope that such buses may ply on Pakistan's Mega Cities

Despite the rapid increase in private vehicles, which are being flooded on roads with more than 50 percent increasing ratio every year, no effective policy has been evolved yet to develop the proper road infrastructure for catering to the need of growing population, they said.

Answering a query, they said the government had designed a comprehensive and effective plan to overwhelm the need of more transport infrastructure with modern maintenance system, besides inviting the private sector to participate in it.
"Condition will not be changed unless the private sector will co-ordinate with government concerned departments in making comprehensive and high quality urban transportation system to cater to the need of growing demand of urban areas", they said.

Accordance to jointly surveyed report by the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the World Bank (WB) that 47 percent of national highways have been deteriorated and only 28 percent of the network is in good condition.
"Due to insufficiency of highways, 30 to 35 percent of agri produce is being spoiled before marketing, which causes huge loss to national exchequer, besides growing inflation due to its shortage, hence, the government has decided to convert inferior roads into high quality roads, they said.

They said the government is striving to generate funds for maintenance and up-gradation of facilities such as traffic signals, roads, sidewalks, intersections, parking spaces and drains aimed to provide better transport infrastructure to urban population.

They said the authority concerned is pondering the proposal for restoring mass transit system in different cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalbad, and Karachi. They hoped that mass transit system would be restored soon in these cities with a view to minimising the excessive burden on public transport, besides facilitating people by safe, reliable, fast and entertaining transport service.

Construction Method for Under Ground Stations - LRMTS

Being a Civil Engineer, I thought to also include the construction type and the methods to be adopted while the execution of this huge project.

Diaphragm walls are envisaged for the underground stations construction. The technique involves excavating a narrow trench that is kept full of an engineered fluid or slurry. The slurry exerts hydraulic pressure against the trench walls and acts as shoring to prevent collapse. Slurry trench excavations can be constructed in all types of soil, even below the groundwater table. Cast in place diaphragm wall is usually excavated under bentonite slurry.

The construction sequence of a diaphragm wall is illustrated in Figure

Diaphragm wall construction begins with the trench being excavated in discontinuous sections or "panels". Stop end pipes are placed vertically at each end of the primary panel to form joints for adjacent secondary panels.

Once the excavation of a panel is complete, a steel reinforcement cage is placed in the centre of the panel. Concrete is poured in one continuous operation through one or more tremie pipes that extend to the bottom of the trench. The tremie pipes are extracted as the concrete rises; however, the discharge end of the tremie pipe always remains embedded in the fresh concrete.
The slurry that is displaced by the concrete is reused for subsequent panel excavations. When the concrete sets, the end pipes are withdrawn. Similarly, secondary panels are constructed between the primary panels to create a continuous wall. The finished wall may be cantilever or require anchors/props for lateral support.

The following summarise the diaphragm wall advantages and disadvantages:

• Various shape of wall can be achieved with this method (for example, provisions for other lines).

• Diaphragm walls are applicable to any ground conditions. The range of construction is wide and the application goes from silt to rock.

• Inner city environment: diaphragm wall and secant piles are commonly used in congested areas. They can be installed in close proximity to existing structures with minimal loss of support to existing foundations. In addition, construction dewatering is not required, so there is no associated subsidence.

• Excellent waterproof: Over cutting joint is possible without changing the underground water table level.

• High cost: Diaphragm wall are more expensive than other method. Nevertheless, the cost is lower when diaphragm walls are used as a permanent structure. It is used for projects under construction in Paris (metro line 13 extension) and Toulouse (metro line 1) and for projects under design (Paris metro line 4 and 12 extensions) as a permanent support. Moreover, it has been used on several metro projects with no internal structure inside (including Cairo, Caracas, Milan and Paris)

Example of Station Architecture in Lahore Mass Transit System

An example of how architectural treatment could be applied to the LRMTS to reflect the local architectural characteristics of Lahore is given below. The design could be utilised as a one-off in a particular location, or adapted/transformed to suit each site and condition along the central or entire route.

Stations with their complex mix of volumes - platforms, walkways, functional and ancillary spaces, should be carefully designed to integrate fully with the context – so as to have a presence yet not be overpowering in the surrounding environment.

The U-shaped Viaduct Design Minimises the Visual Impact of Elevated Sections of the LRMTS A representation in section and perspective of a possible design for the elevated stations of LRMTS is illustrated in the following Figure.

The U-shaped Viaduct Design Minimises the Visual Impact of Elevated Sections of the LRMTS
The above design - inspired by the Shish Mahal - is derived from the strong tradition, culture and design of the local built environment. The particular form of the Shish Mahal’s roof, its overhangs, fenestration and materials have been reinterpreted and adapted to house the entrances, ticketing and diverse functional and technical spaces – creating a visually strong, easily recognisable volume, which could be used in infill, aligned with the building line or free-standing configurations.

A concourse connects both pavilions running underneath and perpendicular to the viaduct and road, allowing passengers to pass under to the platform opposite their entry. Zones of vertical circulation rise from the concourse to meet each platform. Both platforms and walkways are covered so as to protect passengers from inclement climatic conditions – sun and rain – yet allow for wind to pass through giving passengers a beneficial cooling effect. The distinctive shape of these roofs is a reinterpretation of local constructive forms. They are to be formed from large prefabricated panels whose tone and finish integrate with the rest of the station architecture.

The concept aims to inspire an image for the LRMTS which would be strong, identifiable and easily recognised. While reflecting local design and typologies, it attempts to reinterpret this tradition in a modern way – using twenty-first century building materials and techniques – reflecting the ambition and advanced technology of the project.

Karachi Mass Transit System

Karachi is in dare need of the Mass Transit System, so news about Karachi Mass Transit implementation shall also be added as they come in
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Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro has underlined the importance of the Karachi Mass Transit system for all the cities, particularly the metropolis, to keep pace with economic development. Presiding over a high-level meeting on the Karachi Mass Transit Project and other infrastructure development schemes held at the Governor’s House here on Tuesday, the prime minister said that this would help reduce traffic congestion on roads and create job opportunities for people. He said the government took a number of initiatives for infrastructure development and ex pressed the hope that this paradigm of change would continue. He said public-private partnership was one of the most viable options being adopted by the government to encourage development in all sectors.

The same could also be applied to this project, he noted.An integrated approach adopted by various departments was necessary to address bottlenecks in the implementation of the project, he said, and urged all the stakeholders to come up with proposals leading towards an early start of the project. Mr Soomro said that the government fully recognised the importance of improving and expanding infrastructure service, which was an ingredient of economic and social development.

The improved quality and service coverage, like the Mass Transit System, was vital for the country’s economy and livelihood of the people, he said. The primary aim of all government policies was to support and encourage people to contribute towards national economy, he added. Among others, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Abdul Qadir Halepota, Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance Dr Salman Shah, Caretaker Federal Minister Faheem Ansari and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission were also present.—APP

Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that lasting solution to transport problem in Karachi lies in Mass Transit system on which work will start this year while work on Bus Rapid System is being started with Asian Development Bank's cooperation. He said the city government has solved the transport problem to a great extent by propagating the concept of signal-free corridors. He expressed these views during an inspection of ongoing development works of signal-free corridor-II and visit to various city areas late Saturday night.

He said work on third signal-free corridor from Saddar to Safura Goth will also start and complete this year. It will be constructed through Lines Area and Preedy Street and connected with New M A Jinnah Road at Quaid's Mazar.Mustafa Kamal announced that a flyover would be constructed at Jail Chowrangi while a bridge will be constructed at University Road for going from Shama to Gulistan- e- Jauhar while Nipa would also be made signal-free.

He said a decision has been taken for construction of alternate houses for residents of Preedy Street and Lines Area and city government will provide them far better residential facilities in the same area.He said the Haq Parast city government, not only made many roundabouts signal-free but also propounded the concept of signal-free corridors. He said that a dozen flyovers and underpasses would be constructed within two years. He said before the inauguration of signal-free corridor-II, the work on Corridor-III will be taken in hand and completed during this year.He said through signal-free corridor-III, the people will get alternate route to Sharea Faisal and those wishing to go to airport will need not use this Sharea.

Mustafa Kamal said ADB agreed to make investment in Karachi's mega project after negotiations and city government will receive first instalment of dollars 300 million in April 2008 whereafter work on mass transit system, bus rapid system and other transport projects will start and completed at a fast pace.

LRMTS (Green Line) Route Details

The more information I will get I shall keep on pasting especially the route maps, the kind of pessenger trains etc etc.

Like the previous government, the caretaker set-up also has failed to secure $30 billion foreign funding needed for five big dams and mass transit systems in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
It is against this backdrop that the Ministry of Finance is holding an international conference in Islamabad from May 11 to 13 to invite foreign investors, including banks and multinational funding agencies, to take part in Pakistan’s infrastructure development projects.

Official circles believe that by May the newly elected government will be able to win back foreign investors’ confidence.

Mr Aijaz Ahmad, chief executive officer of the Infrastructure Project Development Facility (IPDF) of the Ministry of Finance, told Dawn on Wednesday that effort would be made at the conference to arrange about $20 billion funding for five major dams — Kalabagh, Bahshah, Akhori, Munda and Kurrum Tangi.

“Then we need to raise about $10 billion for three mass transit projects in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, two shipyards, one in Karachi and the other in Gwadar, CNG bus project in Karachi and some projects in the horticulture sector. We also need funding for the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline which will be discussed at the conference,” he added.

A number of international law and advisory firms have also been invited.
Mr Ahmad said that Pakistan also needed foreign investment for new power projects. He expected that during the first year of the next government about $2 billion would be raised through foreign investment.

He said that power and telecom sectors had witnessed an increase in private investment in Pakistan. But it has been difficult to attract funding for infrastructure projects.
Mr Ahmad said that 44 infrastructure projects were in the pipeline of which 21 were on the active list while the rest were being developed.

“IPDF’s active project portfolio consists of 44 such projects worth $1.4 billion,” he said.
The IPDF chief expressed the hope that the recently approved public-private partnership policy would greatly enhance the confidence of top international players in the country’s infrastructure development projects.

Sources said that the growing fiscal constraints had forced the government to withdraw from its traditional role of financing PSDP projects by having an effective public-private partnership from the 2008-09 financial year.

Initially, it was proposed to cut 50 per cent government funding in the PSDP and the gap will be filled by the private sector. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank are believed to have approved the proposal in principle and indicated that they would be willing to provide necessary support for improving and expanding infrastructure services for public-private partnership in Pakistan.

The Planning Commission, the IPDF and the two international donors are in touch with leading investors to have the next PSDP shared by public and private sectors on a 50:50 basis.
However, the private sector maintains that the government should first come up with a regulatory framework for the public-private partnership on a sustained basis for a longer period.
A draft law and the regulatory framework are being prepared and expected to be finalised soon.

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Gash!!!!!!!!!!! hope that the new government may be able to do so......

Dubai Metro

I got some pictures of Dubai Metro Construction work in progress. I think the similar shall be the construction method for LRMTS

Assistance Loan for Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System

Diagramatic Presentation of Various Lines (Green, Orange, Purple & Blue) of LRMTS

The CDWP approved three schemes worth Rs 1.1 billion for Punjab, 11 projects costing Rs 18.9 billion for Sindh, two project costing Rs 1.4 billion for NWFP, three schemes costing Rs 1.2 billion for Balochistan, two projects worth Rs 15.5 billion for AJK and the same number of schemes valuing 0.7 billion for Northern Areas, said Asif Sheikh flanked by Dr Asad Ali Shah, member infrastructure PC.

Of the three projects in Punjab, one project namely "Technical Assistance loan for Lahore rapid mass transit system, costing Rs 0.5 billion will be fully financed by the government of Punjab. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide technical assistance.Dr Asad said that Lahore rapid mass transit was huge project and its total cost would be around 2.4 billion US dollars.

The Punjab government will provide $1.4 billion for the project while the remaining amount would be provided by the ADB.He said that Punjab government was planning to initially lay down the track on 27 kilometres and if that portion remained successful, then the project would be expanded. After that the Punjab government would present PC-I and detailed engineering design of the whole scheme to the PC.

Thanks Shoaib

Thankyou very much Shoaib for sharing the blog with me. I shall certainly try to update as the news comes in. I will not only post about Lahore Mass Transit but also for any transporation improvement in any part of Pakistan.