Daily Times

LAHORE: Immense rush was observed at major bus stops, railway stations and other exit points on Sunday, as scores of people left the provincial capital to celebrate Eidul Azha in their native towns.

People from all walks of lives, including hostel students, families and workers, thronged to different bus stands and railway stations to reach their native towns in order to celebrate Eid with their loved ones.

City markets, shopping areas and roads remained almost empty as less traffic was observed in the evening. Except for the roads leading to exit points of the city, all roads, intersections and other places that were usually full of traffic and rush, wore a deserted look.

However, massive rush of people was witnessed at major bus stands and exit points including Badami Bagh, Chowk Yateem Khana, Bund Road, Niazi Bus Stand, Thokar Niaz Baig and Shahadra Bus Stand. Like every year, the City District Government Limited and Lahore Traffic Police failed to maintain the fares on the eve of Eid, as transporters were seen charging double fares, resulting in exchange of harsh words with commuters, who blamed the authorities for lack of preparations in this regard.

On the other hand, transporters also revealed that there was shortage of buses, vans as well as drivers, as many of them left for their hometowns for Eid celebrations. They said they also have to pay extra amount on Eid days to their employees in account of Eidi.

Talking to Daily Times, Khawaja Niaz, a transporter at Badami Bagh, said that there were number of issues faced by transporters on the eve of Eid as shortage of drivers and conductors, lack of availability of proper mechanics and other related staff. “An average driver getting stipend of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 was demanding an extra amount of Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000, so we have to manage all these expenses from the fares we are getting from commuters,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Central Zone of National Highways and Motorway Police had already announced enforcement campaign in order to control the violations of overcharging and overloading in public service vehicle on the eve of Eidul Azha. The central zone would return overly charged amount to passengers besides imposing fine on violations.