Lull at transport hubs after migrant exodus

Non-native citizens exit twin cities to celebrate Eid with loved ones

RAWALPINDI:

A large number of migrant workers in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have departed for their respective hometowns to celebrate Eidul Azha, the festival of sacrifice, with their loved ones.

Sources said the regional transit authority failed to reduce the transport fares on the festive occasion as usual.

They said there had been an extraordinary rush at all the transport hubs across the district, including Pirwadahai General Bus Stand for a couple of days, however, it dissipated after the late-night exodus of a large number of citizens.

Federal capital and the garrison city become almost deserted on Eid when the majority of workers head to their hometowns and native areas to spend the festive occasion with their families.

The transporters kept the trend of overloading and overcharging alive and charged each passenger an extra amount for their luggage.

There per ride fare from Rawalpindi to Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Multan was increased by Rs250; to Karachi and Hyderabad by Rs550; to Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan by Rs300 while Rs150 to Rs175 were increased on each fare from the garrison city to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Overloading and overcharging were also rampant at the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand. Due to the rush of migrant workforce, the transport of the inner twin cities and the surrounding areas were also counted in the long route which multiplied the problems of the passengers.

The sources said this year, Pakistan Railways did not run any special Eid train from Rawalpindi due to which extra rush was seen in the buses and coaches running from the garrison city.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Regional Transport Authority Secretary Rashid Ali said: “We have formed three special squads to stop overloading, overcharging and reduce the fares by 10 per cent, which will implement this decision on the departure and return of passengers from Rawalpindi.”

“Each squad consists of three officers. These squads are making daily visits to transport bases. As many as 17 vehicles have been fined Rs50,000 for overloading and overcharging at the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand,” he said.

The RTA secretary warned that anyone overloading would have their vehicle locked up. “Apart from this, instructions have also been issued to reduce the fares by 10 per cent,” he said and added that those who did not reduce the fare would be fined.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2023.