LAHORE: The chief minister was briefed about the Orange Line (Lahore metro train) project here on Thursday as the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rs160 billion infrastructure scheme is most likely to be held during the current month.

To be financed by Norinco and China Rail, the project will be implemented in multiple packages involving various local construction firms in it as well.

Shahbaz Sharif approved southern loop of the Lahore Ring Road on its old route, dropping proposals for building it on the Hudiara drain or elevated road for being too expensive.

The old route reportedly passes through Sui Gas Society on Ferozepur Road, Gajjumatta, Halloki and Bahria Town,

Various issues of Multan metro and Islamabad metro also came under discussion, an official said.

He issued instructions for setting up two sub-committees for the Orange Line project, one for design of the train stations and other for technical matters.

The chief minister directed that a separate project portal be developed with the help of the Punjab Information Technology Board.

Seeking speedy construction of the project, he said Nespak and other institutions concerned should build their capacity for mega projects.

He directed that indiscriminate action should be continued against the sellers of substandard Iranian charcoal and that its use in construction of roads would not be tolerated.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2015

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