That the physical infrastructure of the Orange Line Metro Train project is ready for trial run on December 10 is a welcome development. After missing several deadlines, the project’s inauguration will set a course for more such projects across the country. In recent years, several road networks have been laid under provinces and centre, creating the prospect of better connectivity. In all big cities, where influx of population and ensuing traffic burden choked roads, the only answer to the slow movement on roads is modern mass transit. Former chief minister Shahbaz Sharif established two mass transit projects in Lahore – Metro and Orange Line – and ensured their timely completion. On May 17, 2018, Sharif along with the Chinese consul general opened the test run of Orange Line Metro Train from Islam Park station to Chowk Laxmi. The Chinese cooperation in the execution of mass transit projects is of significance. Several motorways have been completed under the landmark China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The real course for mass transit projects was set by the Shahbaz Sharif government, though only big cities were the beneficiaries of his policy. Lahore became the luckiest city to be the pioneering Metro Train City of Pakistan. The project would have seen the light of day several months ago but several controversies slowed work while the track design breached international standards meant for the protection of heritage, etc. The train track is 27.12 kilometers which winds down the narrowest lanes of the city on its elevated 25.4 kilometer track, while 1.72 kilometers are underground to protect historical places. With 26 stations along the route, 27 trains will chug time to time from Ali Town to Dera Gujran. The distance will be covered in just 45 minutes, while up to 250,000 passengers will travel on it every day. The number is likely to grow to 500,000 in the next few years. At the start of this project, tendering was done in spite of government-to-government agreement and Rs69 billion were saved by the Punjab government through post-bidding whereas around Rs6 billion were also saved in local tendering in collaboration with the Chinese government. The project was executed in four stages to expedite the construction work. Metro train track is being constructed under package-I and II while depot and stabling yard are being constructed under package-III and IV. The construction work started on October 25, 2015. Welcome to the metro train era. *