LAHORE: Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Athar Waheed has proposed relocation of over 400 goods transport hubs (truck addas) to the city outskirts, declaring it one of the major factors contributing to the frequent, massive traffic jams in the provincial metropolis, requiring a an urgent policy and decisive action by the government.

Realising the gravity of the issue, the CTO took it up with Lahore division commissioner, pointing out that as many as 400 goods transport hubs, largely located in the densely-populated commercial areas, have long been causing traffic blockages, road safety concerns and environmental pollution in Lahore.

“The pressing issue of severe traffic congestion in Lahore [is] largely attributed to the presence of approximately 400 goods transport addas operating within the city’s urban limits,” reads a letter written by the CTO Lahore addressing the commissioner.

The CTO highlights the grave concerns of the traffic police, saying the continuous movement of heavy vehicles in already congested city zones causes frequent disruptions in the traffic flow, and gravely affects the business activities, besides posing safety hazards to the public.

He suggests that the commissioner can play a key role in restoring the calm and natural lifestyle the Lahorities have been enjoying decades back when they could move freely in the city without any hassle.

Particularly, he highlights that most of the goods transport hubs are located in the densely populated localities of the old city, not only rendering these areas almost inaccessible to motorists, but also making the lives of the residents a ‘hell’.

He points out that some 200-220 goods transport hubs or ‘addas’ of heavy vehicles are located in the surroundings of Shah Alam area, one of the largest wholesale markets of Punjab.

As these transport companies are scattered from Shah Alam to Akbari Mandi and Milad Chowk, the entire areas remain choked daily, specially from evening to late in the night, resulting in severe traffic blockages.

The CTO also mentions that hundreds of heavy commercial vehicles, including trucks and trailers, remain parked alongside the roads in the area for hours for the delivery of goods, causing traffic mess there.

Similarly, he says, 25-30 goods transport hubs are located at Bansan Wala Bazaar, another business hub in the old city, causing problems for road users, traders and the residents.

The CTO highlights another ‘hot spot’ -- Data Nagar Pul -- where 120-130 goods transport hubs are operating in the old city, plagued by the movement and parking of heavy commercial vehicles, causing frequent traffic congestion.

He also mentions Sheranwala Gate near the city railway station, where 20-25 goods transport hubs are located.

“In the light of the above mentioned facts, it is requested to identify and designate suitable locations on the outskirts of the city for relocation of these transport addas,” reads the CTO’s letter.

It asserts that timely relocation of these goods transport hubs will not only help reduce traffic congestion, but also improve the urban environment and enhance overall traffic management in Lahore.

The CTO told Dawn that his department has also taken the owners and managers operating these transport hubs onboard before initiating any move to relocate their businesses.

Mr Athar Waheed says that he has held a series of meetings with the senior representatives of the Pakistan Truck Association, claiming they themselves want their stands be shifted to hassle-free areas for free movement of their heavy commercial vehicles.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2025