URBAN TRANSIT TRAIN SYSTEM IN LAHORE ( UTTSL )

Urbanization and Economic growth:

• As urbanization accelerates and economic activities expand , the importance of urban rail transit
grows.

• Role of urban Rail Transit: It acts as a foundation for realizing both social and economic benefits.

Importance of Operations Management:

• Effective management is crucial for the smooth and balanced growth of the urban rail transit
industry.

Need for optimization:

• Enhancing efficiency using current infrastructure and available resources is crucial in addressing
various development hurdles.

Exploration of Lahore's Urban Rail Network:

• It further examines potential enhancements to infrastructure and operational mechanisms

Current Facilities and operational framework within the Allocated Corridor :

• The proposed urban transit rail route is a 47 km section of ML-1 , from Raiwind to Shahdrah
Bagh.

• Train operations use both absolute and automatic block systems, with standard-III and
computer-based interlocking .

• The track has a double line with concrete sleepers and UIC - 54 rails .

• Maximum speeds range from 90 - 110 km /h between stations ; stations yards are limited to 15
km/h .

• This is a busy line already used by Pakistan Railways but can support shuttle trains with 15 -
minute headways during off-peak hours and 30-minute headways normally.

• The current train coaches are mostly old , including German and Chinese models , and are
maintained by Pakistan Railways.

• Coaches require seating modifications to suit urban transit needs .

Condition 1 :

• This setup uses existing, older infrastructure to operationalize the urban rail system .

• The infrastructure cannot support frequent 15 - minute train intervals.

• Trains can run in both directions with a one - hour Gap between them .

• Old railway coaches will be used with only minor modifications and repainting.

• No additional land acquisition is needed since the right of way is already held by pakistan
Railways

• The current line capacity can accommodate one - hour interval train corridors.

Costing of Condition 1 :

1.

• The total Track length from Shahdrah to Raiwind is 48.0 km.

Segment -wise breakdown:

• Shahdrah to Lahore Station : 7.5 km

• Lahore Station to LRC : 5.5 km

• LRC to Walton : 5.0 km

• Walton to Kot Lakhpat : 3.5 km

• Kot Lakhpat to Raiwind : 26.5 km

The information pertains to track improvement along the Shahdarah - Raiwind route .

2.

Estimated cost of track rehabilitation/improvement: PKR 480 Million

Cost Basics: PKR 10 million per kilometer for a 48 km stretch .

Note :
The existing track will be used , requiring only improvement and upgradation, not new construction.

Condition 2 :

• The second proposed plan includes track and signalling system upgrades over a 47 km stretch .

• Implementation of an automatic block system with computer - based interlocking will enable
higher train speeds .

• The upgrade ill allow trains to operate with a 15 - minute headway throughout the day.

• Additional stations will be opened to serve urbanized and newly developing areas along the
route .

Costing of Codition 2 :

• Proposed dedicated track from Shahdarah to Raiwind spans a total of 48.0 km

Segment -wise breakdown:

• Shahdrah to Lahore Station : 7.5 km

• Lahore Station to LRC : 5.5 km

• LRC to Walton : 5.0 km

• Walton to Kot Lakhpat : 3.5 km

• Kot Lakhpat to Raiwind : 26.5 km

Estimated cost for a dedicated new track : PKR 4,800 million .

Cost Basis : PKR 100 million per kilometer for 48 km .

Note :

The cost excludes infrastructure such as flyovers , underpasses , and overhead bridges.

These additional strutures are subject to detailed survey and design .

Condition 3 :

• The third proposed option involves building a new , dedicated alignment for urban transit trains .

• The alignment could be underground, elevated ,or at ground level , or a combination , based on
land availability and conditions .

• This option will require land acquisition and right of way approvals from public and private
entities .
 • Infrastructure will adhere to modern urban transit standards , similar to systems in developed
and developing countries .

• Modern rolling stock with self-propelling systems (DMUs or EMUs) will be used .

• EMUs ( Electric multiple units ) are environmentally friendly but require a dedicated ,
uninterrupted power supply .

Future Rail routes :

Route 1:

Lahore (LHR) to Mehmood Booti (M. Booti): 10.3 km

Mehmood Booti to HBR: 9.2 km

HBR to Airport: 6.3 km

Total Length: 25.8 km

Route 2:

Shahdara (SDR) to Lahore (LHR): 7.75 km

LHR to MGPR: 5.0 km

MGPR to HBR: 5.8 km

HBR to Jallo: 5.7 km

Jallo to Wagah (WAG): 7.75 km

Total Length: 32 km

Route 3:

Lahore Railway Colony (LRC) to Airport: 4.3 km

Total Length: 4.3 km

Approximate Cost Of Laying Track Of Future Loops

Route-1 (@ 100 MILLION PER KM) = 2580 MILLIONS

Route-1 (@ 100 MILLION PER KM) = 3200 MILLIONS

Route-3 (@ 100 MILLION PER KM) = 430 MILLIONS

• The proposed urban transit railway system will have a futuristic design.

• It will include multiple linkages to connect additional high-traffic routes.

• An Airport Loop via three different routes will significantly improve connectivity and airport
access.

• Another proposed linkage aims to boost local and international tourism by connecting to the
border town of Wagah.

Transit operational strategy :

• A diverse and efficient rolling stock fleet is crucial to meet varying passenger needs.

• Trains should be lightweight, high-capacity, and optimized for urban environments with frequent
stops.

• Multiple train sets with sufficient carriages are needed to handle peak-hour demand.

• Specialized vehicles must be included for maintenance and emergency response.

• Coaches should feature modern amenities, including:

• Air conditioning

• Passenger information systems

• Accessibility features

• A well-planned rolling stock strategy ensures reliable service and

passenger satisfaction.

Infrastructure and Service Requirements :

• Comprehensive planning and design are needed for efficient routes and station placement.

• Robust infrastructure must meet safety and engineering standards.

• Effective rolling stock management, including train selection and maintenance, is essential for
reliability.

Integration with existing public transport is crucial for seamless connectivity, requiring:

Coordinated schedules.
Unified fare systems.

A dedicated operational authority is needed for daily operations.

Use of advanced technology for ticketing and real-time monitoring is important.

Focus on:

Safety and security measures

Financial sustainability

Staff training

Community engagement

These elements are critical to build public trust and ensure long-term project success.

Challenges for Urban Transit Railway System:

Land Procurement Process :

• Land acquisition for rail projects is challenging and may lead to conflicts with current landowners
and residents.

• May require relocation of communities, leading to social tensions and public resistance.

Delays in land acquisition can:

• Stall project timelines

• Escalate costs due to prolonged negotiations and legal complications.

Financial Limitations:

• Funding large infrastructure projects in Lahore is challenging, particularly due to its developing
economy status.

• Limited budgets can result in:

• Reduced project scope Infrastructure Interconnectivity

• Delays or complete abandonment of projects

• Reliance on public funding makes projects susceptible to changes in:

Government priorities
 Economic conditions

Integration with Existing Infrastructure:

• Seamless integration with existing transport (buses, rickshaws) is vital for efficient mobility.

• Poor integration leads to operational inefficiencies, commuter inconvenience, and lower

• Effective coordination between key stakeholders (e.g., Pakistan Railways, Punjab Mass Transit
Authority) is crucial.

• Integration ensures the new rail lines enhance and complement current public transport
systems.

Technical Challenges :

• Lahore’s diverse terrain and dense urban areas create significant engineering and design
challenges.

• Constructing rail lines in populated zones requires innovative, low-disruption solutions.

• These complexities may lead to longer construction times, higher costs, and technical risks.

• Safety of workers and the public during construction is a critical priority.

• Safety incidents can cause delays, reputational damage, and regulatory scrutiny.

• Robust safety protocols are essential to minimize construction risks.

Regulatory Challenges:

• Navigating regulations and securing permits is often a lengthy and complex process.

• Multiple government agencies with differing rules and timelines add to the bureaucratic
complexity.

• Regulatory delays can significantly impact project timelines and create uncertainty for
stakeholders.

Community Resistance:

• Local communities may oppose rail projects due to concerns over noise, construction disruption,
and property value impacts.

• Public resistance can lead to protests and delays in project approvals.

Environmental Side Effects:

• Environmental impacts such as air quality and noise pollution must be carefully addressed in rail
projects.

• Environmental assessments demand time, resources, and detailed mitigation strategies.

• Inadequate attention to environmental concerns can result in public backlash and regulatory
obstacles.

Governmental Uncertainty :

• Political changes can lead to shifts in project priorities and inconsistent funding for infrastructure
projects.

• Instability may cause delays and uncertainty in project timelines and execution.

• Volatile political environments undermine stakeholder confidence and hinder long-term

Transit System Logistics :

• Managing logistics in urban areas is challenging due to high population density and limited
space.

• Traffic disruptions and daily life interference may lead to negative public perception.

• Proactive logistics planning and community engagement are critical to ensure efficient and
minimally disruptive construction.