Basant Draws Massive Crowds to Lahore as Record Rush, Smooth Transport and Safe Celebrations Mark Festival’s Success
Lahore witnessed an extraordinary surge of activity during the three-day Basant Festival, with official figures showing that around 900,000 vehicles entered the city, reflecting the scale of public participation and the festive spirit that gripped the provincial capital. The city remained abuzz with kite flying and celebrations as residents and visitors poured into Lahore from across Punjab and beyond to take part in the iconic event.
Public transport services also recorded unprecedented usage during Basant, as the Punjab government offered free travel facilities to ease congestion and encourage safe movement. Over just two days, nearly 1.4 million passengers used government-run transport services, including the Orange Line Metro Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Feeder Buses, electric buses and Regional Transport Authority services. Transport authorities said the Orange Line Metro Train alone carried 299,000 passengers on Friday and 305,000 on Saturday, with more than 600,000 commuters benefiting from free rides during the festival period.
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The Metro Bus service recorded similarly high numbers, transporting 143,000 passengers on Friday and 135,000 on Saturday, taking the total to 278,000. Speedo Feeder buses carried 174,000 passengers on Friday and 182,000 on Saturday, serving a combined total of 357,000 commuters. Electric feeder bus routes saw around 15,000 passengers each day, accounting for 30,000 free rides, while buses operating under the Regional Transport Authority facilitated travel for 60,000 passengers over the two days.
Officials further stated that Green Electric Buses transported 25,000 passengers on Friday and 27,000 on Saturday, benefiting a total of 52,000 commuters. On the final day of the festival, as celebrations continued late into the night, 419 buses remained operational across the city to ensure uninterrupted and free public transport for citizens returning home safely.
Alongside the festive rush, Lahore also remained the centre of political and administrative activity, with the city hosting important meetings and oversight during the Basant period. Authorities remained on high alert to manage crowds, traffic flow and safety, particularly in busy areas such as Liberty, the Walled City and major residential neighbourhoods where rooftop kite flying was at its peak.
The three-day celebrations concluded smoothly, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praising the people of Lahore for their discipline and cooperation. In a message shared on X, she said citizens had honoured the government’s trust by following rules and standard operating procedures, helping to promote the concept of a joyful yet secure Basant. She noted that rooftops across the city remained lively but orderly, while extensive medical arrangements were in place throughout the festival.
According to officials, more than 200 clinics on wheels and 21 field hospitals remained operational during Basant to respond to any emergencies, ensuring quick medical assistance wherever needed. The chief minister expressed satisfaction over the overall management and urged the public to continue exercising caution in future events, announcing that Lahore’s Safe Basant model would be replicated in other cities as well.
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