Punjab moves to regulate freight transport sector

Mandates strict compliance with Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules 2025

RAWALPINDI:

A decision has been taken to enforce the Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules 2025 strictly across the province, including Rawalpindi.

The Punjab Transport and Mass Transit Department has issued formal directives to all Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) throughout Punjab to ensure rigorous implementation of the amended rules.

The Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Rawalpindi, Asad Abbas Shirazi, said that under the new rules, all freight and goods vehicles are required to carry a computerised weighbridge receipt. The movement of cargo vehicles without a valid weight receipt issued by an authorised weigh station will not be permitted.

The RTA will also be empowered to grant approval for loading, unloading and halting points. Shirazi further said that goods forwarding agencies will be required to possess a minimum of two kanals of land, while at the tehsil municipal administration level, at least one kanal of land will be mandatory for operating a goods agency.

He added that a goods forwarding agency must have control over at least 10 public carrier vehicles. Moreover, a minimum of two route permits must be registered in the applicant's own name. Compliance with the amended rules governing goods forwarding agencies will be made mandatory.

Prior approval from the Regional Transport Authority will be compulsory for establishing a goods forwarding agency, and action will be taken against any agency operating without authorisation. The RTA will also have the authority to inspect agencies at any time.

According to the RTA Secretary of Rawalpindi, goods forwarding agencies will be required to obtain formal approval to establish booking offices within the city.

Booking offices will not be permitted to be used for the loading, unloading or parking of goods vehicles. Agencies will also be required to display the RTA notification prominently at their premises.

Shirazi emphasised that the Punjab government's orders and directives will be enforced in letter and spirit.