LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz on Monday ordered the introduction of dedicated bike lanes on major roads in Lahore and directed the authorities to strictly enforce traffic rules, particularly against vehicles operating under the Suthra Punjab programme.
The chief minister, presiding over a special meeting on traffic management, expressed concern over violations by Suthra Punjab vehicles and directed the authorities to ensure that they complied with traffic laws. She also expressed grief over the death of a minor girl after she was run over by a Suthra Punjab vehicle.
The meeting agreed to digitally monitor zebra crossings through cameras to discourage pedestrians from crossing roads at prohibited points. A proposal to install alert buttons for pedestrians was also considered.
The CM Punjab ordered the launch of a pilot project on The Mall to ensure compliance with zebra-crossing rules. She also declared Ferozepur Road a model road and directed the installation of traffic signals at Pine Avenue and Jati Umra Chowk.
The chief minister ordered strict enforcement of the requirement that cargo-carrying tractor-trolleys be covered before entering roads. The same rule, she said, should apply to Suthra Punjab tractor-trolleys.
She also directed the authorities to launch a crackdown on overloaded tractor-trolleys before the start of the sugarcane season across the province.
The chief minister sought immediate measures to ease congestion at Shahdara and Thokar Niaz Baig, stressing that traffic movement at the city’s entry and exit points should remain unobstructed.
According to Lahore Chief Traffic Officer Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi, Lahore’s position in the Numbeo Global Traffic Ranking Index had improved from 149th to 29th. He said traffic congestion had fallen by up to 70 per cent at Jati Umra Chowk, Pine Avenue, Defence Mor, Karim Block, Akbar Flyover, Kahna and Main Boulevard.
The meeting was informed that 4,096 traffic permits/licences had been issued to youngsters aged 16 to 18, while 65,000 panic buttons had been installed for women at various locations in Lahore.
The chief minister welcomed the improvement in Lahore’s traffic ranking in South Asia and called for continued efforts to improve traffic management in the city.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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