Punjab limits sharp transport fare rise

Chief secretary rejects 37% fare proposal; goods transporters announce steep 70% hike

RAWALPINDI

The Punjab Chief Secretary has rejected the recommendation to increase transport fares in Rawalpindi by 37 per cent, instead approving a 10% increase for petrol vehicles and a 25% increase for diesel vehicle owners.

Transporters have been prohibited from charging fares beyond the approved rates. Additionally, the distinction between AC and non-AC categories has been abolished.

Following the recent surge in petroleum prices, Asad Abbas Shirazi, Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), had prepared a proposal to raise fares in consultation with public transport operators in Rawalpindi, recommending a 37% increase.

However, transport department officials stated that the CSoverruled this recommendation, approving a 25% fare increase for diesel vehicles and 10% for petrol vehicles.

In line with this decision, the RTA Secretary has issued new directives to transporters, strictly prohibiting them from collecting fares above the authorised rates. The RTA Secretary warned that any violation would result in strict legal action and authorised officials to closely monitor compliance.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has removed the AC and non-AC fare categories from the new fare structure. In response to rising petroleum prices, goods transporters have independently announced a 70% increase in freight rates.

Chaudhry Maqbool Hussain, President of the Punjab Goods Transporters Association, stated that due to ongoing inflation, rising diesel prices, and sharply increased operational costs, continuing services at current rates had become extremely difficult.

Accordingly, during a meeting of the association, it was mutually decided that, from 3 April 2026, all goods transport fares would be increased by 70%.

This measure aims to alleviate financial pressure on the transport sector, ensure continuity of operations, and maintain the timely and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities nationwide.

However, the 70% increase in goods transport fares is expected to trigger a significant rise in the prices of food and other consumables.