In a significant step toward sustainable urban transport, the Punjab government has approved plans to power all Orange Line Metro Train stations with solar energy.
The initiative, aimed at cutting operational costs and easing the strain on public finances, involves the installation of a 1.6-megawatt solar power plant. Once operational, this facility will supply electricity to all the train’s stations, powering essentials like escalators, lighting, and other infrastructure.
Massive Cost Savings on the Horizon
Currently, the provincial government spends billions of rupees each year to subsidize the Orange Line’s operations. Officials familiar with the project say switching to solar could slash monthly electricity expenses by several crores of rupees—a potentially game-changing move for the train’s financial sustainability.
A Long-Term Strategy, Not Just a Cost-Cut
While reducing expenses is a major motivation, the shift to solar also signals a broader push toward renewable energy in Punjab’s public sector. The move reflects a growing recognition that infrastructure-heavy projects like metro rail systems must become more energy-efficient to remain viable in the long term.
The Orange Line, part of Lahore’s ambitious metro network, has often faced criticism for its high maintenance costs. By integrating solar energy, the government hopes to not only silence skeptics but also pave the way for cleaner, more responsible urban transit across the province.
