Lahore/ Islamabad:
As the Eid Travel Rush reaches its maximum point, passengers from all over the country were between a rock and a difficult place on Saturday, fighting to secure tickets while transporting the carriers of carriers.
Despite EID special trains and government repressions, workers and students who returned to their native cities regretted that transporters were earning fast money when they collect exorbitant rates.
Many were fighting for last minute seats, and some even forced to pay for the nose for their trip home.
A day after the last special Eid train started from Karachi Cantt to Lahore, travelers, particularly workers and students, lamented that transporters charged more than fixed rates. Many said they had few options to pay extra to reach their cities of origin in time for the festivities.
Pakistan Railways (PR) had announced a 20% discount on rates during the first three days of EID, but passengers indicated that the concession did not apply to the five special trains that operated in the days before the holidays, leaving them without real relief.
Due to the high rates on the highway and GT Road, many travelers preferred trains, while some had no choice but to travel in buses.
The Lahore railway station saw an increase in passengers, particularly after the closed offices for EID.
To accommodate the increase in demand, PR added additional coaches to several trains, including three additional bogies, one AC and two sleeping coaches, for routes to Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and fine.
However, the passengers argued that the rates reductions that began after EID were of little use for those traveling in advance.
“Most people go to their hometown before EID and return a few days later, so the discount should also have covered those days,” said a traveler.
Many urged the railroads to improve the quality of the service and guarantee punctuality instead of depending solely on rates reductions.
To monitor rates violations, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) intensified their repression against overload transporters, with special squadrons deployed in the main bus terminals, including Faizabad, Mandi Mor, Karachi Company and 26 Number Chungi.
An ITP spokesman said the officers were checking the tariff lists, emitting fines to the offenders and reimbursement of passengers who had been overloaded. Citizens were encouraged to report rates of rates to the ITP aid line in 1915.
Meanwhile, Punjab Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered a strict offensive against transporters who charge excessive passenger rates during the EID, which ordered the authorities to guarantee adherence to official rates in all districts.
By chairing a meeting on transport management, CM Maryam instructed the attached commissioners who closely supervise the fulfillment of the rate and avoid overload.
She said that official tariff lists should be prominently shown in all bus terminals to avoid the exploitation of travelers at home, particularly low -income passengers.
In addition to the regulation of the rate, the main minister also ordered cleaning units at bus stops, ensuring adequate seat arrangements and functional fans in waiting areas.
