During the 3-day Basant (Kite-flying festival), around 904,036 passengers travelled on the Orange Line Metro Rail (OLMT) in Lahore, the first electric railway transportation project under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Approximately 305,179 passengers on February 6, 299.674 passengers on February 7 and 299,183 passengers on February 8 enjoyed the journey on the metro train facilitating kite-flying enthusiasts to mark the days with festive celebrations, Gwadar Pro reported on Tuesday.

The CPEC metro train in Lahore also continued its efficient and uninterrupted operations symbolizing the strong and growing friendship between Pakistan and China. On all three days, a profuse rush of people was witnessed at the 27-km metro train stations.

As an affordable, convenient and high-tech commutation experience, kite-flying revellers used the metro train to reach nearby markets to buy their favourite kites and strings. “It happened due to the metro train that I visited my uncle’s home swiftly and comfortably to attend his electrified kite-flying activities that filled my mood with joy,” Rabia Atif told Gwadar Pro.

“Many means of transportation were expensive. Transporters kept fares skyrocketing just to rip off the passengers. During the Basant days only metro train kept travelling free of cost and provided magnificent travelling experience to travellers,” she added, saying credit goes to China for running the train for the general public.

OLMT Lahore spokesperson Taha Azizi Khan told Gwadar Pro that despite exceptionally high passenger volumes, the Orange Line teams managed operations smoothly and safely across all three days—February 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2026—demonstrating extraordinary commitment, coordination, and operational excellence.

On this historic occasion, he said, public transportation across Lahore was made free of charge to facilitate citizens and visitors. As one of the main transportation arteries serving the densely populated walled city areas, where Basant festivities were at their peak, the Orange Line Metro Train played a significant role in providing safe, comfortable, and free rides to commuters and festival-goers, he added

He further said that all three days recorded the highest ridership since the start of operations in 2020, crossing a remarkable milestone of nearly one million. “Due to extensive kite-flying activities, kites, strings, and other foreign objects accumulated along the tracks. Our dedicated teams worked tirelessly throughout the night to clear the tracks and ensure safe operations for the following day.

Before the first ray of light and the departure of the first passenger train, commissioning trains were run to confirm full track clearance; only then did the Orange Line begin its daily service to join in the Basant festivities,” he explained.

Beyond mobility, the Orange Line also offered passengers a unique and scenic journey, offering views from modern transportation infrastructure to the vibrant revival of Lahore’s cultural heritage and Basant festivities, Gwadar Pro's report added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China