(Yicai Global) Oct. 27 -- Pakistan's Orange Line, the first comprehensive solution of urban rail transit that China has exported, has begun commercial operation.

Pakistan's first metro line involves Chinese design, equipment, construction, operation and maintenance, Xinhua News Agency reported yesterday.

Lahore's Orange Line covers almost 26 kilometers and runs 12 hours a day. The project in the Asian country's second-largest city started trial operation in December. It first began construction in October 2015.

China State Railway Group and China North Industries were the project's engineering, procurement and construction contractors. The Export-Import Bank of China provided loans, and CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive supplied the trains. A consortium including Guangzhou Metro Group and Daewoo Pakistan Express Bus Service operate and maintain the system.

The project has employed more than 7,000 people locally during construction while nearly 2,000 jobs will be created to operate and maintain the route.

The Orange Line should transport 250,000 passengers a day, Pakistan Today reported. Tickets cost PKR40 (20 US cents).

Editor: Emmi Laine