Lahore’s main arteries witnessed long queues of traffic as thousands of commuters were stuck for hours amid the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) seventh edition on Thursday.
Tight security measures were adopted by the law enforcement agencies to provide full protection to the players who included foreigners.
Thousands of cricket lovers rushed to the Gaddafi Stadium to watch the first match in Lahore, which added more pressure to the traffic jam. However, fans were jubilant, showing no sign of worries despite standing in lines for hours.
Authorities have allowed 50 percent stadium capacity for matches due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I reached Shah Jamal in 50 minutes from Davis Road by bike,” a commuter said describing his account of a traffic jam in around a two kilometres radius, which otherwise takes 15 minutes to travel through.
Matches are taking place at a stadium situated at Ferozpur Road but the rush was witnessed at the Mall, Jail Road, Ferozpur Road, Lawrence Road, Wahdat Road, Canal Bank Road and connected arteries.
A traffic warden said that he had been controlling traffic at FC underpass for five hours without a single moment of relief. “It’s really a hectic day for me,” he told this correspondent.
Traffic police has already issued a traffic plan for PSL matches. A total of 11 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and 90 inspectors would control traffic, according to the city traffic police spokesperson.
The traffic police stated that over 700 wardens were deployed on routes and alternative routes of the cricket teams. Around 20 fork-lifters and five breakdown assistance vehicles were also deployed to remove wrongly-parked vehicles, they said.
“Five parking stands are allocated for cricket fans and easy access to the stadium. Shuttle service from parking stands enables spectaculars to reach Gaddafi Stadium.”
The spokesperson said that Canal Road, Jail Road, Wahdat Road, and MM Alam Road remained open to traffic.
