Lahore Proposes Ban on Rickshaws on Canal Road

Lahore’s traffic authorities have proposed restricting the use of Qingqi and loader rickshaws for sanitation operations on Canal Road, in a move aimed at improving traffic flow on one of the city’s busiest routes. The proposal has been made by Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi and communicated to the Suthra Punjab administration.

Rickshaws Used for Cleaning Operations

According to the latest reports, the CTO has asked the Suthra Punjab administration to use alternative vehicles instead of Qingqi and loader rickshaws for cleanliness activities on Canal Road.

The traffic authorities say these vehicles can obstruct the movement of traffic and create difficulties in managing the busy road. The proposed change is therefore specifically related to sanitation vehicles operating on Canal Road, rather than a new citywide ban on all types of rickshaws. 

Canal Road Already Has Restrictions

An important clarification from the traffic police is that the entry of loader and Qingqi rickshaws on Canal Road, including Model Road, is already prohibited. The latest proposal is focused on Suthra Punjab’s sanitation operations and seeks to ensure that cleaning work does not require these restricted vehicles to operate on the main road. 

The restrictions on these vehicles were introduced earlier as part of traffic management and road-safety measures. In June, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported that traffic authorities had said traffic flow on Canal Road improved following enforcement against Qingqi and loader rickshaws. 

Thousands of Rickshaws Targeted in Crackdown

Traffic police have also reported extensive enforcement against vehicles violating the restrictions. According to the latest figures cited by traffic authorities, action has been taken against 39,861 Qingqi rickshaws and 16,832 loader rickshaws. 

Authorities have linked the restrictions to efforts to maintain smoother traffic movement and reduce disruptions on major roads. Earlier enforcement reports also highlighted concerns surrounding loader rickshaws carrying heavy or improperly secured materials on Canal Road. 

What the Proposal Means for Lahore Commuters

For daily commuters, the proposed change could mean that sanitation operations on Canal Road are carried out using vehicles better suited to the busy route. The CTO has requested that Suthra Punjab consider alternative vehicles for cleaning activities so that traffic management is not affected. 

At present, the latest reports do not announce a new citywide prohibition on ordinary passenger rickshaws. Instead, the development concerns Qingqi and loader rickshaws, particularly those being used for Suthra Punjab cleanliness operations on Canal Road. Authorities are expected to continue enforcing existing restrictions while coordinating with the sanitation administration over alternative vehicles for road-cleaning work.

(Associated Press of Pakistan)