LAHORE(National times)- The Punjab government has signed an important agreement with ride-hailing companies InDrive and Yango to make Basant celebrations in Lahore safer, smoother, and more accessible for the public. Under the initiative, citizens will be able to avail free rickshaw and cab rides during the Basant festivities scheduled for February 6, 7, and 8 in Lahore. According to the government, the facility will benefit both local residents and tourists visiting from other parts of the country and abroad, while also helping ease severe traffic congestion and parking issues during the celebrations. Officials from the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) said that under the agreement, the two companies will collectively offer 180,000 free rides, with each ride covering a distance of up to 8 kilometers. The service will include both rickshaws and cabs, which can be booked through mobile applications or hailed directly from designated routes. As per initial estimates, around 6,000 rickshaws and 60,000 cab rides will be available across 24 major routes in the city. The service has been specially designed for people attending Basant-related kite-flying events and festivities, encouraging citizens to reduce the use of motorcycles and private vehicles. Over Rs540 million worth kites, strings sold in Lahore in three days

Interestingly, the Punjab government will not make any direct financial payments to the companies under this agreement. Instead, InDrive and Yango will be granted exclusive advertising and branding rights on major roads, intersections, and public spaces across Lahore. PHA officials said this model will not only save government funds but also provide long-term benefits to the companies, contributing to Lahore’s economic activity and urban development. The facility is expected to be particularly helpful for senior citizens, families, women, and tourists, allowing them to enjoy the celebrations without hassle. The government estimates that hundreds of thousands of people will benefit from the initiative daily, significantly reducing traffic pressure in the city. In addition to the free ride-hailing service, free public transport will also remain operational, including 500 buses, Metro Bus services, the Orange Line train, and electric buses.