The Punjab government’s promise to provide free rides during the three days of Basant was not implemented, leaving citizens to pay full fares despite official assurances.
Authorities had announced that tens of thousands of complimentary rickshaw rides would be made available daily throughout the festival as part of a special public relief initiative. However, commuters reported being charged the standard fare, contradicting the government’s claim.
Evidence has since surfaced showing that passengers were required to make regular payments for rides, including within inner-city areas where free services were also promised. The much-publicized offer remained largely symbolic, with no practical relief extended to the public.
Drivers operating the service confirmed that they were not informed of any free-ride directive during Basant. According to them, no official instructions were issued, and fares were collected as usual from passengers throughout the festival period.
