LAHORE: The Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) has proposed the aerial tram service instead of the at-grade (road) tram service in Gulberg, as suggested by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA).

However, a final decision to either go for an at-grade or aerial tram service will be taken after conducting studies related to the project’s feasibility.

The PMA says since the project falls under the scope of masstransit, it should not be executed by the LDA.

On the other hand, the LDA has asked the transport department and the PMA to make conducting the project’s feasibility study part of the studies already being carried out by the PMA for introducing an integrated urban transport system in the Punjab capital, Dawn has learnt.

“In fact, our traffic system in Lahore doesn’t support or allow trams running on roads in Gulberg and other busy areas. We have told them (the government & LDA) that Canal Road is the only road where the tram service can be feasible,” a senior official source in the PMA explained while talking to Dawn on Friday.

According to the official, who wished not be quoted, the at-grade tram service/system has become obsolete — over 100 years old. Moreover, it is very expensive in terms of building, owning, and operating. On the other hand, the aerial tram/tramway system is cheaper than the road trams and can be operated smoothly without being stuck in road traffic congestion.

“We have shown the aerial tramway system to the government in a recent briefing. But this is not yet final, as we will decide to go for an aerial or at-grade tramway system after having feasibility studies of this project. However, we are the authority to execute this project,” he said, adding that a lot of steps, including feasibility, project concepts (PCs), approval of the project at the levels of departments concerned, provincial and central development working parties and ECNEC, floating of tenders, allocation and transfer of funds, etc., will take a considerable time ahead of the start of the civil, mechanical, and electrical works.

He said the aerial tramway was built at around 19/20 feet height. He said since the project comes under the domain of masstransit, it would be implemented by PMA after approvals.

On the other hand, in a letter to the transport department and PMA, the LDA has proposed a tram network in Gulberg, claiming that it will help address the growing demand for convenient and environmentally friendly public transit while reducing traffic congestion in the area. According to the letter, the system will seamlessly connect key commercial spots along MM Alam Road, Noor Jehan Road, and other major thoroughfares, making the commute hassle-free for shopkeepers, shoppers, and the public at large.

“The connectivity of the tram with the metro bus system at Kalma Chowk station will connect the important commercial hub of Gulberg with the commuters of other cities through Shahdra and Gajjumata stations and suburbs of the city through the Orange Line Metro Train system,” the letter explains.

The route of the scheme titled “Gulberg Tram Network Project,” according to the LDA, consists of a total 8.2km long route — Kalma Chowk-Liberty-Gaddafi Stadium Roundabout-Gulberg Main Boulevard, Main Market Roundabout-Main Boulevard - MM Alam Road-Noor Jehan Road-Kalma Chowk.

The project, as the LDA suggests, involves conducting a reconnaissance survey & route selection, traffic and commercial survey, topographic survey, geotechnical studies, environmental and resettlement impact studies, engineering design of selected alignment, signalling and telecommunication study, rolling stock study, electrical traction study, electric power study, economic & financial analysis, draft feasibility study report and feasibility study report besides preparing and submitting PC-1 and tender documents and tender design.

Besides these, the feasibility studies would include demand analysis, route & network planning, technical feasibility, financial & economic analysis, legal & regulatory considerations, public & stakeholders’ consultations, risk assessment and mitigation, traffic impact, urban planning, socio-economic, operation & maintenance, computer-aided design, and type of tram studies.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2024