LAHORE — The Punjab government has partnered with ride-hailing companies InDrive and Yango to offer free transport during Basant celebrations in Lahore, as economic activity linked to the festival surged, with kite and string sales exceeding Rs540 million in just three days.

Under the agreement, announced ahead of Basant events scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8, the Punjab Government will facilitate 180,000 free rickshaw and cab rides across the city. Officials said the initiative aims to ease traffic congestion, address parking challenges and improve safety during large public gatherings.

According to the Parks and Horticulture Authority, each free ride will cover up to eight kilometres and will be available on 24 major routes. Around 6,000 rickshaws and 60,000 cab rides are expected to operate daily, with bookings available through mobile applications as well as street pickups. The service is intended to encourage festival-goers to avoid private vehicles, particularly motorcycles.

Basant preparations begin in Lahore as kite sales open under regulated window

Officials said the provincial government will not make any direct financial payments to the companies. Instead, InDrive and Yango will receive advertising and branding space at key roads, intersections and public locations in Lahore. The model, authorities noted, is expected to reduce pressure on public funds while supporting traffic management during the festival.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif described the initiative as a step toward making Basant safer and more accessible, particularly for elderly citizens, families, women and tourists. She said the plan aligns with broader efforts to promote eco-friendly transport and orderly urban management during major events.

Alongside ride-hailing services, the government has confirmed that free public transport will continue during Basant, including 500 buses, Metro Bus, Orange Line and electric buses. Authorities said routes and pickup points will be announced separately.

Meanwhile, the economic footprint of Basant has expanded sharply. According to the Kite Association, kite enthusiasts in Lahore spent more than Rs540 million on kites and strings over the past three days. On Tuesday alone, more than 500,000 kites were sold across city markets as demand peaked ahead of the festival.

Much of the supply has come from Peshawar, where the historic Yaka Tut Bazaar has seen round-the-clock activity. Shopkeepers said workshops are operating at full capacity, with artisans producing large volumes of colourful kites and strings for shipment to Lahore and other cities.

The combined transport initiative and spike in kite sales underscore Basant’s growing cultural and economic significance, as authorities seek to balance public safety, mobility and commercial activity during one of Lahore’s busiest festival periods.