Nine model cart bazaars planned

Initiative aims to accommodate vendors, ease traffic congestion, end exploitation

FAISALABAD:

The Faisalabad Metropolitan Corporation (MC) has announced a plan to set up nine model Rehri (cart) bazaars across the city to accommodate thousands of hawkers and street vendors while ensuring smooth traffic flow and eliminating exploitation by field staff.

Chief Officer Murtaza Malik said two of these bazaars, located at Narwala Road and Pahari Wali Ground Road, have already been made functional. He said the initiative also puts an end to the previous exploitative monthly "fee system" imposed by encroachment staff.

Malik said 350 model carts have been prepared for placement in the new bazaars, which are being developed under a structured plan.

In addition, a cabin system has been introduced to keep hawkers restricted to designated and fenced areas, ensuring better management and smoother traffic movement.

"So far, 50 cabins each have been installed along Sargodha Road and Sheikhupura Road, while 40 each have been set up at Jhang Road and Eidgah Road," he added. Vendors have been instructed to operate strictly within their iron-made cabins; violators will face heavy fines.

Commissioner and Administrator Metropolitan Corporation Raja Jehangir Anwar said that unplanned and scattered Rehri bazaars had long been a major obstacle to the smooth flow of traffic, causing inconvenience to citizens and commuters.

"This initiative is aimed at providing relief to the public, particularly those traveling from rural to urban areas," he stated.

He emphasised that field staff have been warned against exploiting vendors or collecting illegal payments, while Rehri and cabin owners have been advised not to bribe MC officials.