Lahore’s transport plan for Basant has been finalized, offering citizens extensive free travel facilities across the city. Authorities say the initiative aims to ensure safe, smooth, and accessible movement during the festive celebrations.
The transport plan has been jointly finalized by Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Punjab Transport Company, and private rider companies.
Under the plan, citizens will be able to enjoy free travel on the Metrobus service and the Orange Line Metro Train during Basant.
Citywide coverage on 24 routes
Free transport facilities will be provided on 24 routes across Lahore to manage the expected surge in commuters. A total of 228 buses will operate on feeder routes, while 64 Metrobus vehicles will offer free services on their designated corridors.
To expand capacity, buses have also been requested from government colleges and universities.
As part of this effort, 54 buses from government colleges and 73 buses from universities will be deployed to provide free transport for Basant revelers.
Orange Line, Metrobus passenger capacity
Officials said that around 250,000 passengers will be able to travel daily on the Orange Line Metro Train during Basant. Meanwhile, approximately 87,000 people will be able to avail free travel on the Metrobus service each day, including the route from Gajjumta to Shahdara.
Authorities shared route-wise details, including 13 buses running from Rana Town to Railway Station. Additional routes include four buses from RA Bazaar to Chungi, five from Bhati Chowk to Shadbagh, four from Depot Chowk to Chungi, and 12 from Canal to Jinnah Terminal.
Expanded feeder and terminal routes
Other routes include eight buses from Railway Station to Gulshan Ravi, 11 from Wahdat Road to Qurtaba Chowk, and 13 from RA Bazaar to Nasir Bagh.
Nineteen buses will run from Pura Ana Kahna to RA Bazaar and another 19 from Bhatti Chowk to RA Bazaar, while 17 buses will operate between Jinnah Bus Terminal and BRB.
In total, authorities estimate that 516,000 people will be provided free transport facilities through buses every day during Basant. Additionally, 5,000 private company rickshaws will be specially branded and used to offer free rides to citizens.
Kite, string supply restrictions eased
In a major decision for Basant celebrations, the Lahore district administration has lifted the ban on ordering kites and strings from other cities with immediate effect.
As a result, demand and prices for kites and strings in Lahore have increased significantly.
Despite lifting the ban, officials clarified that individuals will not be allowed to order kites and strings directly from other cities.
According to the Commissioner, only registered kite makers, traders, and manufacturers can place such orders, and registered shopkeepers must affix their QR codes on all imported kites and strings.
