LAHORE - Though the exodus began on days before Eid and little big on Thursday with at least four extra holidays being tagged to the vacations, Friday witnessed even more rush at bus terminals and railways stations.
The crowds of passengers are expected to touch climax on today after noon amid the high fare by transporters. The exodus by homebound people will complete on Monday night (Chand Rat) as Tuesday is expected to be the Eid day. Those who left Lahore on last couple of days earlier were included industry labourers, university students, hawkers, hotels and restaurants workers. About one third residents left to their native town from areas like Model Town, Johar Town, Allama Iqbal Town, Gulshan Ravi, Township, Green Town on Friday.
Nearly 60 per cent, among who have left the City, are government employees and labourers. People, whom businesses are somehow related to Eid, are likely to stay two to three days more in the city. People living in the provincial metropolis, originally hailing from nearby cities like Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Gujranwala, would also leave the city on the night before Eid.
It is estimated that around five million people leave Lahore on every Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha for their hometowns to join their families and friends. Resultantly, the City gradually experiences the taste of a city less populated and reduced number of vehicles on roads.
Friday was the day when great rush was witnessed at city bus terminals and Lahore Railways Station, however, the roads would be comparatively calm on Saturday and Sunday.
Number of people with their families and luggage were seen at General Bus Stand, Niazi Bus Stand and City Bus Terminal. Traffic was packed at city entrance and exit points on night. Passengers were also seen standing at Thokar Niaz Baig bypass, Shera Kot, Yadgar Chowk and Batti Chowk.
Passengers, standing at Thokar bypass, said that the transporters were charging almost double fare besides full fair for the luggage, criticising the absence of transport authorities to refrain transporters from overcharging.
On asking about the fare overcharging, the transporters argued: “We charge high fares during Eid days as the buses return to Lahore, almost 60 per cent empty.”
The Pakistan Railways has announced six special trains to cater the rush of the passengers before the Eid and around three among them would leave from Lahore. The PR has also announced 30 per cent decrease in fare during Eid days.