Punjab Government Orders Immediate Cut In Transport Fares Following Diesel Price Drop
LAHORE – In a move to provide direct relief to the public, the Punjab government has officially ordered a province-wide reduction in transport fares following a significant decrease in diesel prices, according to Dunya News.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan issued the directives on Wednesday, instructing transport authorities to ensure that the benefits of lower fuel costs are passed on to commuters immediately.
Strict Enforcement and Monitoring
The Minister has directed all Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) to prepare and publish revised fare lists for both inter-city and intra-city routes. To ensure compliance, specialized monitoring teams have been formed in every district across the province. These teams are tasked with conducting field inspections and verifying that transporters are adhering to the new rates.
“The government will not allow transporters to pocket the relief meant for the common man,” Bilal Akbar Khan stated. He emphasized that the direct benefit of the diesel price cut must reach the public without delay.
Zero Tolerance for Overcharging
The provincial government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against violators. The Transport Minister warned that strict legal action, including heavy fines and vehicle impoundment, will be taken against any transporter found charging fares above the approved rates.
Furthermore, officials have been instructed to ensure that passengers who have already been overcharged receive refunds of the excess amounts collected since the fuel price adjustment.
Reporting and Accountability
All RTAs have been mandated to submit detailed reports on fare implementation to the provincial transport department. The administration has also encouraged citizens to report any instances of overcharging to local authorities to streamline enforcement.
This move comes as part of the Punjab government’s broader efforts to control inflation and manage the cost of living by regulating essential service prices in tandem with global and national economic shifts.
