LAHORE - On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, the provincial capital like other big cities of country on Monday wore a deserted look as the huge number of homebound people left Lahore to celebrate the Eid with their families and friends at their homes.
Eid exodus, started on last Friday, continued would continue till Eid day. The people having businesses or jobs in Lahore and belong to nearer cities like Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur mostly leave the city on Chand raat (Eid night). However, there is also a large number of people who prefer to stay on moon night to earn livelihoods their families and return homes on Eid day.
On the other side, the transporters are minting money by taking advantage of huge rush of the passengers at the bus stands. This is not only for this time but the transporters overcharge the travelers on every such occasion. Unfortunately, no government institution pays heed over the issue to hinder the overcharging from the travelers. People also suffer hardships to find seats available. According to some, the transporters overcharge up to 50 per cent. The exploiting game started with the first phase of exodus which started on Friday.
However, the standard transport companies charge the fare from the passengers as it has been mentioned in fare lists. More than five million people leave Lahore on every Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha for their hometowns to celebrate festivals with the families.
A large number of government officials and others, who got week-long vacation including festival and weekly holidays, had left the City on weekend. However, the mass exodus was witnessed on Monday. According to some estimates, about 50 percent dwellers of Lahore leave to their native town on such occasion. Moreover, about 20 per cent of the residents of Model Town, Johar Town, Allama Iqbal Town, Gulshan Ravi, Township, Green Town have left Lahore to celebrate Eid with their families at hometowns.
On Monday, huge rush was witnessed at bus terminals and Lahore Railways Station, however, the roads of Lahore were comparatively calm.
The General Bus Stands, Niazi Bus Stands and at City Bus Terminal were witnessing great rush of the travelers with their families and luggage. 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.
Only the roads leading to markets like Anarkali, The Mall were witnessing traffic rush. According to the local transporters, the commuters’ rush decrease up to 75 per cent before Eid as compared to usual routine.