A large numbe of vehicles are struck in traffic jam on Ravi Road near Greater Iqbal Park on the third day of Basant celebration in the city. Photo: APP
LAHORE:
Large crowds turned out for the Basant festival in Lahore with official data showing a record influx of vehicles and passengers during the three-day celebrations.
It was disclosed in a briefing that around 900,000 vehicles had entered the city over the three days.
On the first two days, approximately 1.4 million passengers availed free travel on the Orange Line Metro Train, Metrobus, feeder buses, electric buses and other government-run transport services, setting a new record.
The data was shared in a video-link meeting presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where Senior Minister Mariyyum Aurangzeb presented a detailed report on arrangements and activities during the first two days of the festival. The meeting was attended by the home secretary, the Lahore commissioner, and officials from the health department, Parks and Horticulture Authority, police and other security agencies, who briefed the chief minister on the administrative and security measures.
The officials said the Orange Line Metro Train had transported 299,000 passengers on Friday and 305,000 on Saturday, taking the two-day total to over 600,000. The Metrobus served 143,000 passengers on Friday and 135,000 on Saturday, totalling 278,000. Speedo feeder buses transported 174,000 passengers on Friday and 182,000 on Saturday, bringing the total to 357,000.
Electric bus feeder routes recorded 30,000 passengers over the two days, while 60,000 passengers benefited from buses operating under the Regional Transport Authority. Green electric buses carried 25,000 passengers on Friday and 27,000 on Saturday, with a combined total of 52,000.
For the final day, the officials said, 419 buses remained available for free public travel, while the Orange Line Metro Train, Metrobus, feeder and green buses continued to offer free services until the night. In addition, 6,000 online ride hailing rickshaws were providing free rides under a government initiative.
While citizens celebrated Basant on rooftops across the city, the celebration at Lahore Safari Zoo drew large crowds from the provincial capital and other cities who enjoyed kite flying alongside other recreational activities.
A parking area was reserved for kite flying, while puppet and magic shows, a mini-circus and a cultural parade were staged.
A visitor, Muhammad Owais, said the adults were busy flying kites while children enjoyed various shows and games. Saadia Imran had travelled from Faisalabad with her family. Ali Raza from Gujranwala said arrangements had been made for all age groups. Dancing fountains and a performance by singer Quratulain Baloch added to the festival’s appeal.
Meanwhile, Lahore Division Commissioner Maryam Khan visited the Delhi Gate old city area along with the deputy commissioner and reviewed arrangements at health and rescue camps.
With additional input from APP
