The Punjab government has announced strict safety regulations and free public transport services for Basant 2026 in Lahore, aiming to ensure a safe, organised and family-friendly celebration across the city.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that all public transport services on every route will remain free during the Basant festivities. She urged citizens to avoid using private motorcycles and instead rely on buses, the Metrobus, the Orange Line Train and around 6,000 Yanggo rickshaws operating across Lahore.

According to the chief minister, the initiative will provide more than 60,000 free rides, making travel easier, safer and more convenient for families and festival-goers throughout the celebrations.

Emphasising public safety, Maryam Nawaz said strict kite-flying rules will be enforced to prevent accidents. She clarified that only cotton kite thread with nine strands will be allowed. The use of spinning reels, metallic wires, glass-coated thread, nylon, bulletproof or chemically treated materials has been completely banned.

She further announced that kite flying will be permitted only in Lahore on February 6, 7 and 8, 2026. All other districts of Punjab will remain under a complete ban to avoid injuries and maintain public order.

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The chief minister said district administrations, police, hospitals and rescue services will remain on high alert during the festival. She warned that strict legal action will be taken against violators of safety rules.

Maryam Nawaz reiterated that the government’s top priority is public well-being, stressing that Basant should be enjoyed responsibly while preserving tradition and ensuring the safety of citizens.