Since Basant 2026 is approaching, it is a common question being asked: how can you get free transport on Basant 2026 in Lahore?
The Punjab government has promised free rides on the Basant festivals, which means everyone can enjoy freely, travel without fare, and explore the colours of Basant 2026 to the fullest.
Get free Yango, InDrive on Basant
The Punjab government has signed an agreement with ride-hailing companies InDrive and Yango to improve safety and transport arrangements during Basant celebrations in Lahore.
Under this plan, people will be able to get free rickshaw and cab rides during Basant on February 6, 7, and 8, the three days of the Basant festival.
Officials said the service will help residents and tourists. It will also reduce traffic and parking problems in the city during the events.
According to the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), the two companies will offer a total of 180,000 free rides. Each ride will cover up to 8 kilometres.
Additionally, both rickshaws and taxis will be available. People can book them through mobile apps or use them on selected routes.
As per initial estimates, about 6,000 rickshaws and 60,000 cab rides will operate on 24 main routes in Lahore.
The service is mainly for people attending kite flying and other Basant activities. The aim of the initiative is to lessen the use of private vehicles and motorcycles.
This will also provide huge relief to locals and tourists, making the festival accessible to all people alike.
The Punjab government will not make any direct payments to the companies.
Branding, advertising rights in Lahore
Instead, InDrive and Yango will receive advertising and branding rights on major roads and public places in Lahore.
PHA officials said this approach will save the government money. They further added that it will also benefit the companies and support city development.
Officials estimate that hundreds of thousands of people will use the service daily. This is expected to reduce traffic pressure in the city.
Free public transport on Basant
Along with this, free public transport will also remain available. This includes 500 buses, Metro Bus services, the Orange Line train, and electric buses.
What is Basant?
Basant is a traditional festival celebrated in South Asia to welcome the arrival of spring.
It usually takes place in January or February. The festival is part of Punjabi culture and is known for kite flying, wearing vibrant clothes, and enjoying special desi kinds of foods.
In 2026, Basant will be celebrated in Lahore, Pakistan, in early February. In Pakistan, the Basant Kite Flying Festival is mainly celebrated in Lahore.
Large crowds of men, women, and young people take part in the event. Many competitions are held, including kite flying contests.
People can shop for different items and enjoy a wide variety of foods. This includes traditional Pakistani dishes.
Sweet dishes like laddus, gulab jamuns, rass malai, and jalebis are especially popular and are enjoyed by local people and foreign tourists.
The festival is a fun experience for both locals and tourists. This year too, many people from across the country are flocking to Lahore.
Read more: Basant 2026: where to enjoy, which events to attend in Lahore?
