Punjab's New Weekend Bus: A Quick Escape to Sheikhupura's Past

Weekends in Lahore often mean traffic and the same old spots. But now, there's a fresh option. The Punjab government started a double-decker bus service to Sheikhupura. It runs only on Saturdays and Sundays. The goal? Show off the area's old sites and draw more visitors. Simple as that, and it fits right into plans to grow tourism without the fuss.

The Ride and What It Costs

The bus leaves from Lahore and heads straight to Sheikhupura. It's run by the Punjab Tourism and Archaeology Department. Round-trip fare sits at Rs. 1,200 per person. That's for the full day out and back. No extra fees mentioned, so families can plan easily.

On the first trip, riders hit two key stops: Waris Shah's shrine and Hiran Minar. Waris Shah wrote Heer Ranjha, the famous love story everyone knows. At the shrine, they held a recitation of the tale, voices echoing old verses under the trees. Then, over to Hiran Minar, that tall brick tower built by Emperor Jahangir for his pet antelope. Built in 1606, it stands as a nod to hunting days long gone. There, folks rowed boats on the water, biked around the grounds, and soaked in the quiet.

Early Buzz from Riders and Locals

People showed up excited. Officials called it a smart move to dust off Sheikhupura's history. Locals agreed shops near the sites could use the foot traffic. One deputy commissioner said it might turn the town into a go-to spot for day trips from Lahore. Families from nearby districts have already talked about heading out next weekend.

And it's not just talk. The bus sparked real interest right away. Riders shared photos of the minar at sunset, boats gliding smoothly. Even business owners nearby saw a lift; more folks mean more sales for tea stalls and craft sellers.

Building a Hub, One Trip at a Time

Sheikhupura has stories baked in. Beyond these stops, plans hint at adding Sheikhupura Fort and other gems soon. The idea is to link it all, create jobs, and keep things green, no big crowds overwhelming the place.

This fits bigger shifts. Tourism in Punjab is picking up, with domestic trips up as folks seek close-by breaks. The bus cuts car hassles, saves fuel, and spotlights spots that deserve a look. For history buffs or anyone tired of city noise, it's a low-key win.

In the end, small steps like this add up. Sheikhupura isn't far, but it feels worlds away. Grab a seat, hear a poem, pedal by a tower. That's the pull, real places, real ease. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com