Punjab govt announces free public transport during Basant celebrations

The Punjab government has decided to provide free travel on Metro Bus, Orange Line Train and Green Line services during the Basant festival on February 6, 7 and 8, officials said on Friday.

The decision was taken during a review meeting of the Basant Festival in Lahore, chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The meeting was informed that free transport facilities would be provided for three days to facilitate the public during the festival.

Officials briefed the chief minister that safety measures were being finalised to ensure a secure celebration. According to the plan, safety wires will be installed free of cost on up to one million motorcycles. Two control rooms are also being established to monitor the situation during the festival.

The chief minister said that all relevant departments were working to make Basant safe, adding that comprehensive arrangements had been made for monitoring, traffic management and public safety. She stated that strict action would be taken against the use of prohibited kite strings, with violators facing up to five years in prison and fines.

It was further announced that motorcycles without safety rods would not be allowed to enter designated red zones during the festival. Emergency services, including clinics on wheels, ambulances and fire brigade teams, will remain on high alert throughout the event.