Eid travel rush leaves passengers stranded at Rawalpindi, Islamabad terminals

ISLAMABAD: A heavy rush of travellers heading home for Eidul Azha continued at transport hubs in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday, with passengers facing long delays, vehicle shortages and complaints of overcharging on the final day before the holiday.

Large crowds were reported at bus terminals and wagon stands, including the Pirwadhai Bus Terminal, as people from the twin cities tried to reach their native towns to celebrate Eid with their families. Although many commuters had already left earlier, transport stations still remained packed on the last day before Eid.

Passengers reported that an acute shortage of vehicles had created serious difficulties, particularly on routes to Multan, Mianwali, Layyah and Kot Addu. Families and individuals were forced to wait for hours at terminals, while some also complained that fares were being charged far above official rates.

A labourer identified as Kareem described the situation at the terminal.

We have been waiting for several hours. There are very few vehicles available and fares are being charged at nearly double the normal rate.

Another passenger, Afzal, said his group had been waiting since early morning for transport to Kot Addu.

There are ten of us. We have been at the Pirwadhai terminal since 4am and need to travel to Kot Addu, but no vehicle is available. We are now being told that a bus may arrive by 3pm, so we are still waiting.

Other passengers also alleged that some transporters were overloading vehicles. They said they had arrived early and bought costly tickets, but were still being told that buses might only arrive later in the afternoon. According to the complaints, the situation was not only adding to the hardship of Eid travellers but also increasing safety concerns because of overloading.

Transporters, however, said vehicles were being sent onward as soon as they reached the terminals, while also acknowledging that the shortage of transport remained a major problem.

Action against overcharging and overloading

Following repeated complaints, the Regional Transport Authority, the Motorway Police and the City Traffic Police Rawalpindi continued action against transporters accused of overcharging and overloading. Officials said challans were being issued and excess fares collected from passengers were being returned.

Motorway Police spokesperson Saqib Waheed said more than Rs2.6 million in excess fares had been refunded to passengers. He added that over 9,000 challans had been issued for overloading, overcharging and incomplete travel documentation.

Separately, City Traffic Police spokesperson Kashif Shoroosh said challan tickets had been issued to 177 vehicles for charging fares above approved rates. RTA Secretary Asad Abbas said the authority had issued challans to 68 vehicles and ensured refunds of excess fares to 133 passengers.