Punjab Announces Strict Safety Measures and Free Transport for Basant Festival in Lahore

Basant Festival in Lahore

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced comprehensive safety measures and public initiatives for the upcoming Basant Festival in Lahore. The festival, a traditional celebration of spring, is scheduled from February 6 to 8, 2026. Authorities aim to restore the joy of the festival while ensuring the safety of citizens and minimizing accidents during kite flying. The government has also promised free transport services to ease city mobility during the event.

The announcement highlights the government’s focus on both preserving Punjab’s cultural heritage and implementing strict regulations to prevent misuse of dangerous materials like sharp kite strings. A detailed traffic and safety plan has been devised, involving multiple departments and technological monitoring.

• Basant Festival dates: 6–8 February 2026
• Free transport across 24 city routes
• Strict penalties for violations related to kite flying

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Basant Festival Dates and Safety Plan

The Basant Festival in Lahore will officially run from February 6 to 8. The Punjab government has introduced multiple measures to ensure that residents can celebrate safely. A key initiative includes providing protective wires for 10 million motorcycles to prevent accidents caused by flying kite strings.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of reviving public happiness and celebrating Punjab’s cultural heritage. All relevant authorities have been directed to work together to implement the traffic and safety plan effectively, ensuring a smooth and secure festival for all citizens.

• Safety wires for 10 million motorcycles
• Coordinated plan with traffic, police, and safety authorities
• Focus on cultural preservation and public enjoyment

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Strict Penalties for Kite Flying Violations

The Punjab government has announced strict penalties for violations related to kite flying. Using harmful strings, also known as “galat dor,” can result in imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, kite flying before the festival with prohibited equipment carries a fine of PKR 20 million.

These measures aim to prevent accidents and maintain order during the festival. Authorities will strictly enforce rules related to kite size, spool dimensions, and use of dangerous materials.

• 5-year imprisonment for using harmful strings
• PKR 20 million fine for violations before the festival
• Strict monitoring of kite flying practices

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Guidelines for Kite and String Sizes

The government has set limits to ensure safe kite flying. Kites larger than 35 inches and spools (gudda) larger than 40 inches will not be allowed. The use of spinning wires, such as chakri strings, is strictly prohibited.

These restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of injuries to both participants and bystanders. By controlling kite and string sizes, authorities aim to make the festival safer while allowing residents to enjoy the traditional celebration.

• Maximum kite size: 35 inches
• Maximum spool size: 40 inches
• No spinning wires allowed

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Red Zone and Traffic Regulations

High-risk areas, or “red zones,” will be strictly controlled during Basant. Motorcycles without safety rods will not be allowed to enter these zones. Over 100 traffic police camps will be set up throughout the city to manage crowds and prevent accidents.

These regulations are part of a broader traffic and safety plan designed to minimize congestion and maintain public order. Citizens are encouraged to follow rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival.

• Red zones monitored with safety checks
• Over 100 traffic police camps across Lahore
• Enforcement of entry restrictions for unsafe vehicles

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Free Transport for Citizens During Basant

To facilitate mobility, the government will operate 500 buses and rickshaws on 24 city routes completely free of charge. This initiative will help reduce traffic congestion and allow residents to attend Basant events safely.

Two dedicated control rooms will also be established to monitor traffic and respond to emergencies. Free public transport will ensure that citizens can participate in festivities without facing transport-related difficulties.

• 500 buses and rickshaws on 24 routes
• Two control rooms for traffic and safety monitoring
• Reduced congestion and improved accessibility

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Technology and Monitoring Measures

Authorities will use drone cameras and the Safe City system to monitor the festival in real-time. This technology will allow officials to quickly respond to any incidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Monitoring will also include enforcement of kite size restrictions, red zone entry rules, and traffic management. These efforts aim to provide a secure and organized festival environment for all attendees.

• Drone surveillance for real-time monitoring
• Safe City system integration
• Enforcement of safety rules across the city

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Public Message and Cultural Significance

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of celebrating Punjab’s culture and traditions safely. Basant has been celebrated for centuries as a symbol of spring and joy. This year, the government aims to restore public happiness while ensuring safety for participants.

By implementing strict guidelines and free transport, authorities intend to make the festival both enjoyable and secure. The public is encouraged to follow safety rules to preserve the cultural essence of Basant.

• Celebration of spring and Punjab’s heritage
• Safe and organized public festivities
• Restoration of joy and community engagement

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Basant Safety and Transport Measures

Measure	Details
Kite Size Limit	35 inches maximum
Spool Size Limit	40 inches maximum
Penalty for Harmful Strings	5 years imprisonment
Fine for Pre-Festival Violations	PKR 20 million
Free Transport	500 buses and rickshaws on 24 routes
Monitoring	2 control rooms, drone cameras, Safe City system

Conclusion

Punjab’s government has implemented strict safety regulations and free transport arrangements to ensure a safe and joyful Basant Festival in Lahore. With strict penalties for kite violations, size limits, red zone monitoring, and accessible transport, the festival is set to combine cultural celebration with public safety.

These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting citizens while allowing them to enjoy a centuries-old tradition responsibly.

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FAQs

When will the Basant Festival take place in Lahore?
The Basant Festival is scheduled from February 6 to 8, 2026.

What is the penalty for using dangerous kite strings?
Using harmful strings can result in up to 5 years of imprisonment.

Are there fines for kite violations before the festival?
Yes, a fine of PKR 20 million applies for pre-festival kite violations.

Will public transport be available for free during Basant?
Yes, 500 buses and rickshaws will operate free on 24 city routes.

Are there size limits for kites and spools?
Yes, kites cannot exceed 35 inches, and spools (gudda) cannot exceed 40 inches.

How will the festival be monitored for safety?
Two control rooms, drone cameras, and the Safe City system will monitor compliance and traffic during the festival.

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