LAHORE: Thousands of people started leaving for their native hometowns and villages on Friday, to celebrate Eidul Fitar with their families. However, it is most likely that Eid exodus would complete on Sunday night as the people belonging to the nearer cities, like Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Pattoki, Gujranwala, will remain in Lahore for their businesses.
Those who started to leave Lahore yesterday included workers at industrial units, university students, and government’s employees belonging to far off areas.
According to some estimates, more than four million people leave Lahore twice in a year on Eid ul Fitr and Eidul Adha.
The federal and Punjab government have announced three holidays i.e. from Monday to Wednesday but a majority of the government employees will enjoy nine days holidays i.e. from today (Saturday) to next Sunday, by taking two vacations from their respective departments.
The Lahore’s Railways Station was observed being packed with passengers yesterday as most families with children and luggage prefer trains over buses for a long journey.
On this Eid, Pakistan Railways is operating five special trains to facilitate passengers from different city stations, including Lahore, to cater to a large number of commuters.
The PR officials told Pakistan Today that booking on special trains had already completed by 100 per cent after the PR announced these special trains while booking for the regular train had been completed last week. They further said that the regular trains will also run with extra coaches to accommodate extra passengers. According to PR’s estimate at least 5 lac people will travel by trains during the Eid days.
Following the mass exodus, large crowds were also witnessed at the key bus stands of the city including Lorry Adda, City District Bus terminal and other private bus stands. At most of the bus stands, commuters found complaining against transporters for overcharging despite strict warnings of the city administration.
However, National Highway & Motorway Police have formed a special force to deal with such complaints.
The transporters justify this increase as they have to return back to the Lahore with empty vehicles, that’s why a minor increase will not harm any person.
Many people complaining about the lack of facilities at the bus terminals, security arrangements being one of them. On the other hand, a spokesman for the Lahore Police told Pakistan Today that police is all set to protect the travellers at all bus stands as extra measures have been taken for Eid days.
