LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project of Lahore early in the morning today without protocol. He remained there for two hours, inspecting construction work at various sites of the project. The CM reviewed the progress of civil, mechanical and electrical work and visited various stations. He reviewed the construction work of project at Chubarji also went through the ongoing work in the underground area nearby. Later on, he also reviewed the progress of Supreme Court Registry and project work at GPO. Speaking at the occasion, the CM said that the project would provide the common man with decent and world-class travelling facilities and completion of the project will bring revolution in transport sector. “This is the project of Pakistani people and we will compensate the delay of project with hard-work, dedication and passion,” he said, adding that we all had to join hands now for swift completion of the project. The CM said that the project had been delayed due to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf by 22 months. “At present, the work is being done day and night. The party, which has deprived the people of international featured travelling services, did nothing in their province. OLMT is a common man’s ride and Tehreek-e-Insaf has exposed their rancor against people of Lahore by creating undue interruption in it as it has attacked like a veiled foe at this project resulting into the delay of 22 months,” he said. He said that OLMT Lahore was scheduled to start operation on December 25, 2017. “It will facilitate 0.3 million people daily, who will be travelling from Dera Gujran to Alipur. However, PTI has proven its ill will against public. They have also wasted the time of people of KPK and of Peshawar,” he said. The CM said that some political elements had demonstrated enmity against people by obstructing the project. “These people could not complete the metro bus project in their province. They have worked against the welfare of the common man. Now we have to compensate this 22-month delay with determination and hard work,” he said. The CM said that he was personally monitoring the progress on the project and they would burn mid-night oil for early completion of this project. “OLMT project Lahore is a great gift of China for the people of Pakistan. This project is a key step for diminishing the difference between rich and poor. Through metro train, the common man will also be able to travel with pride and civility,” he said. The CM also talked to the workers during his visit. After the visit, CM chaired a meeting at Model Town regarding OLMT project. Detailed briefing was given on the progress of project as well as headway of construction work. CR NORINCO officials assured the meeting for completion of the project. Speaking on the occasion, the Chinese officials said that they would do their best to complete the project soon. The CM said that he had visited the project and was happy to see the progress. He said that all institutions and departments were working as a team. “We have to complete this project at the earliest by working day and night,” he said. The CM directed officials to address the traffic problems being caused by the closure of the GPO Chowk. “Extra steps should be taken to ensure smooth flow of traffic. Coordinated efforts are required in this regard,” he said. Published in Daily Times, January 15th 2018.