Punjab cities bus stands overwhelmed amid Eidul Azha travel rush

LAHORE – A surge in passenger movement ahead of Eidul Azha has created severe congestion at intercity transport terminals in different Punjab cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, with travellers facing long delays, overcrowding and complaints of overcharging. A large number of citizens have already left for their hometowns to celebrate the festival, while those still waiting for transport at bus stands are enduring extended waiting hours amid poor crowd management. Families and women passengers were among those seen struggling to find timely transport arrangements. Passengers alleged that transport operators are charging fares beyond approved rates, along with complaints of overloading and irregular scheduling of vehicles. The situation has made Eid travel more difficult and expensive for commuters heading to different parts of the country. Officials said the Motorway Police, Regional Transport Authority and City Traffic Police Rawalpindi are carrying out actions against overcharging and overloading. However, despite these measures, the situation at major terminals remains largely unregulated. Travellers bound for several cities in Punjab and Sindh, including Kot Addu, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh, Layyah and Multan, reported severe difficulties. Passengers at the Pirwadhai bus terminal said they had been waiting since early morning despite purchasing tickets at higher rates, and were later informed that their buses would be delayed by several hours. Transport operators, on the other hand, said rising fuel prices and increased operational costs have made it difficult to run services on schedule with low passenger loads, resulting in delays and disruptions. The growing disorder at transport hubs has prompted passengers to call on authorities to introduce effective monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure smooth, affordable and timely travel during the Eid period. Lahore Eidul Azha 2026 prayer timings – Check locations