Punjab CM Directs Authorities to Create Dedicated Bike Lanes in Lahore
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to introduce dedicated motorcycle lanes on major roads in Lahore as part of measures aimed at improving traffic management and road safety.
The instructions were issued during a meeting on traffic management, where officials discussed ways to improve traffic flow, protect pedestrians and strengthen enforcement of traffic regulations across the city.
Focus on Bike Lanes and Traffic Rules
The chief minister ordered the relevant departments to identify and designate dedicated lanes for motorcycles on major roads.
She also directed authorities to ensure that vehicles working under the Suthra Punjab programme strictly follow traffic laws.
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz expressed concern over traffic violations involving sanitation vehicles and called for uniform enforcement of traffic regulations.
She also expressed condolences following the death of a young girl in an incident involving a Suthra Punjab vehicle.
Digital Monitoring for Pedestrian Safety
Officials reviewed several proposals aimed at improving pedestrian safety, including stricter enforcement of zebra crossings.
The government is also considering camera-based digital monitoring to help ensure compliance with traffic rules.
A proposal to install alert buttons for pedestrians while crossing roads was also discussed.
The chief minister approved a pilot project on The Mall to improve compliance with zebra-crossing rules. She also directed officials to develop Ferozepur Road as a model route for improved traffic management and road safety.
Measures for Tractor-Trolleys
Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to ensure that loaded tractor-trolleys operate with proper coverings.
She placed particular emphasis on vehicles operating under the Suthra Punjab programme and directed departments to take province-wide action against overloading ahead of the sugarcane season.
Officials were also instructed to address traffic congestion at Shahdara and Thokar Niaz Baig and ensure smoother movement at Lahore’s major entry and exit points.
Traffic signals were also ordered for Pine Avenue and Jati Umra Chowk as part of the city’s traffic management efforts.
Lahore Traffic Situation
According to the meeting, Lahore has shown improvement in regional traffic rankings.
City Chief Traffic Officer Abdul Rahim Shirazi told officials that congestion had declined by as much as 70 percent at several locations, including Jati Umra Chowk, Pine Avenue, Defence Mor, Karim Block, Akbar Flyover, Kahna and Main Boulevard.
The meeting was also informed that 4,096 traffic permits had been issued to teenagers between 16 and 18 years of age.
Safety Features for Passengers
Authorities have installed around 65,000 panic buttons for women travelling across Lahore.
QR-enabled panic buttons are also being installed in public transport vehicles, rickshaws and online taxi services.
According to the traffic police, teams are working at 45 locations to speed up the installation process, while 12 teams have been specifically assigned to equip rickshaws with the safety devices.
Officials said the panic button system has been made mandatory as part of efforts to improve passenger security.
Four additional licensing centres have also been established following requests from rickshaw associations.
Authorities further stated that online cab services failing to implement the required safety measures could face action.
Officials said vehicle tracking systems have improved monitoring of online taxi drivers and passengers, while panic buttons are intended to provide passengers with a quick way to seek assistance during emergencies.
