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MULTAN:
Traffic congestion around Multan’s main bus stand has become a routine problem as illegal roadside boarding points and passenger vehicles waiting on main roads continue to disrupt traffic flow, causing inconvenience for commuters.
According to local transporters, many buses and vans stop on the roadside immediately after leaving the central bus stand in order to pick up passengers, leading to frequent traffic jams.
Passengers also tend to wait along the roadside instead of entering the bus terminal to board vehicles, further aggravating the situation.
Transporters said the practice has not only created traffic bottlenecks but has also left the main bus stand unusually deserted.
They added that the absence of strict enforcement and an organised environment at the terminal has encouraged both drivers and passengers to rely on roadside pick-up points rather than using the designated facility.
A delegation of transporters recently met officials of the traffic police to discuss the growing congestion caused by illegal stands and the roadside parking of large passenger vehicles.
During the meeting, the transporters urged authorities to eliminate illegal roadside stands and strictly enforce traffic regulations.
They suggested imposing heavy fines on buses and other large vehicles that stop on main roads to pick up passengers instead of operating from the official bus terminal. Transporters said strict action against such violations would help restore the importance of the central bus stand while also improving traffic flow in surrounding areas.
