Carriers report 40-45% decline in Eid passengers; railways suspends eight trains
RAWALPINDI:
Soaring inflation, rising transport fares and skyrocketing prices of slaughtered animals have forced a large number of residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to celebrate Eidul Azha in Rawalpindi and Islamabad this year instead of traveling to their native cities and towns.
As a result, passenger traffic at the twin cities’ 54 transport terminals has remained unusually low ahead of the Eid holidays, while bus stops have lost their traditional festive bustle.
Mutahida Transport Federation boss-in-chief Haji Zahoor Arain said passenger numbers during the Eidul Azha season had dropped by 40 to 45 percent this year.
He stated that while earlier entire families would travel to their ancestral villages for Eid celebrations, this year only one or two family members were making the trip instead of the entire family.
Arain added that despite the announcement of long summer holidays in schools, there has not been a notable increase in the number of passengers traveling to their places of origin.
Due to declining passenger numbers, Pakistan Railways also suspended operation of eight trains, while railway stations began to wear a deserted look.
“With just two days left for Eidul Azha, it remains to be seen whether the number of passengers increases or not, although the chances seem slim,” he noted, adding that many people who intended to travel had already done so over the weekend as the holidays would continue throughout the next week.
He further said that the purchase and sale of animals for sacrifices has also seen a decline of 40 to 45 percent this year. According to transporters, the main reason behind the sharp increase in transport rates is the sudden increase of Rs 50 to Rs 70 per liter in petrol and diesel prices in the last few months.
They maintained that the nominal reduction of Rs 5 in fuel prices had little practical impact as the cost of vehicle spare parts, tires and salaries of drivers, conductors and helpers had increased substantially.
Passengers complained that carriers were now charging full-seat fares even for 10-year-olds, describing the practice as exploitative. They also alleged that additional charges equivalent to the full seat fare were required for baggage.
Travelers said stagnant incomes and relentless inflation had severely hit household finances.
Meanwhile, Regional Transport Authority (RTA) secretary said monitoring teams will continue to inspect transport terminals until Eidul Azha, adding that sanctions and fines have already been imposed on transporters involved in overcharging and overcharging passengers.
