Rawalpindi/Karachi/Lahore, March 29: With 20% cut in train fare and 5 additional trains and large number of busses are added by bus stations in mega cities for the passenger to their home towns on Eid ul Fitar travel, still large number of travelers are facing troubles.
Despite the launch of five special Eidul Fitr trains by the government, no such service was announced for passengers traveling from Rawalpindi, leading to an unusual rush at the city’s railway station on Friday.
Increased Demand and Additional Coaches
With public transport fares on highways and the G.T. Road soaring, many travelers opted for trains to reach their hometowns.
As a result, a large number of passengers gathered at the Rawalpindi Railway Station, with the crowd swelling further by noon as government and private offices closed for Eid.
To accommodate the surge, Pakistan Railways (PR) attached additional coaches to several trains bound for Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Multan.
These included three extra coaches per train, consisting of one air-conditioned and two sleeper coaches.
PR’s Divisional Superintendent Nooruddin Dawar stated that although no special trains were arranged from Rawalpindi, more than 12 extra coaches were added to existing services.
Read More: Railways Fail to Address Passengers Concerns as Train Schedules Face Major Delays
He also instructed reservation offices to follow a “first come, first served” policy to manage the shortage of seats.
Fare Discounts and Passenger Concerns
PR announced a 20% fare discount for all mail, express, passenger, and intercity trains across all classes for the first three days of Eid.
However, the discount did not apply to the five special Eid trains, as they were operated before the holiday.
Passengers criticized the timing of the fare reduction, arguing that most people travel before Eid and return several days after Eid, rendering the discount ineffective for many.
Security and Overcharging Issues
Amid recent security threats, railway police, in collaboration with city police, tightened security at stations. Only passengers with tickets were allowed onto platforms after thorough metal detector checks.
Meanwhile, overcharging by private transporters remained a major concern. Punjab’s special squads were deployed to curb fare violations.
The government established a control room and complaint cell at the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) office in Rawalpindi.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema stated that no transport vehicle would be allowed to operate without a fitness certificate and route permit.
Also Read: Motorway Police Issue Eid Travel Advisory for Safe Journeys
He warned transporters against overcharging and overloading, with mobile squads monitoring compliance daily from 9 AM to 8 PM until Eid.
He urged passengers to report fare violations, ensuring swift action by the authorities.
Situation at Lahore and Karachi Passengers
Lahore’s Bus Terminals and Railway Stations Overcrowded as Eid Travelers Depart
Lahore’s bus terminals and railway stations are experiencing a massive rush as residents leave the city to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their families. The last working day before the holiday saw an overwhelming number of travelers heading to transport hubs such as Thokar Niaz Beg, Bund Road, Badami Bagh General Bus Stand, and Cantt Railway Station.
Struggles for Tickets Amid Heavy Demand
Many passengers faced difficulties securing tickets due to the high demand. At the city bus terminal near Yateem Khana, a frustrated traveler shared, “I tried hard but couldn’t get a ticket for Multan. Now, they’re telling me to wait for the next bus.”
Similar scenes were reported at Thokar Niaz Beg, where passengers struggled to find seats for their journeys. One traveler heading to Chichawatni managed to get a ticket after waiting for an hour.
At Lahore Railway Station, trains departing for Karachi and other major cities were fully booked in advance, leaving many without options. A railway official noted that even he couldn’t help a close friend find a seat.
A passenger boarding the Karakoram Express advised travelers to use online booking services to avoid inconvenience, remarking, “People should plan ahead instead of complaining later.”
Authorities Monitor Transport Services
Lahore Divisional Superintendent (Railways) Hanif Gul visited the station, engaging with passengers to assess available facilities.
Meanwhile, Provincial Transport Authority Secretary Muhammad Akbar conducted surprise inspections at various bus terminals.
Also Read: Sindh Govt Cancels Eid Holidays for Key Department
As a result of overcharging and selling substandard food, transporters and vendors were fined Rs180,000.
Crackdown on Unsafe LPG Cylinder Manufacturing
In a separate development, the district administration and Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) launched an operation against illegal LPG cylinder manufacturing facilities.
A team, led by Assistant Commissioner Shalimar Muhammad Saqib Tarazi, inspected and sealed a plant violating safety standards.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Musa Raza emphasized the importance of such crackdowns to protect public safety, stating, “By targeting rogue manufacturers, we are enforcing the law and preventing potential disasters.”
Demolition of Illegal Structures
Meanwhile, administrative teams conducted demolition operations in areas including Shanghai Road, Shanghai Bridge, Mauza Kamahan, and Main Ashiana Road, removing illegally constructed buildings. Authorities vowed to continue efforts to maintain order and ensure public safety in Lahore.
