LAHORE:A record 900,000 vehicles entered Lahore during the three-day Basant celebrations, while approximately 1.4 million passengers travelled on Orange Line Metro Train, Metrobus, feeder buses, electric buses and other public transport services over two days, setting a new milestone.
A special video-link meeting was held under the supervision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, during which Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb presented a two-day Basant report. Home Secretary Ahmad Javed Qazi, Commissioner Lahore, health department, PHA, police and security officials gave detailed briefings.
The chief minister expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and security measures for Basant and stated that Sunday is the final day of the Basant festival. ‘Kite flying will be stopped at night and the ban on kite flying will be imposed after the conclusion of the three-day Basant festival, she said.
The chief minister appreciated the cooperation of the citizens of Lahore during the festival and appealed to the public to continue following Basant SOPs and rules on the final day as a responsible citizen.
During the briefing, it was informed that more than 600,000 passengers travelled free-of-cost on the Orange Line Metro Train over two days, with 299,000 passengers on Friday and 305,000 on Saturday.
On the Metrobus, 143,000 passengers travelled on Friday and 135,000 on Saturday, totaling 278,000. On Speedo feeder buses, 174,000 passengers travelled on Friday and 182,000 on Saturday, with a total of 356,000 free rides.
On electric bus feeder routes, 15,000 passengers travelled each day, totaling 30,000 over two days. Regional Transport Authority buses facilitated 60,000 passengers over two days, while green electric buses provided free travel to 52,000 passengers.
It was briefed that 419 buses were available for free public travel in City on the final day as well. The Orange Line Metro Train will continue to provide free travel to passengers until tonight. Metrobus, feeder buses and green buses are also offering free travel today.
Additionally, 6,000 rickshaws are providing free rides on behalf of the government today as well. Authorities have been directed to ensure strict implementation of safety measures on the final day of the Basant festival.
