Ban Imposed on Qingqi Rickshaws at Shah Alam Market Parking Plaza
LDA DG Tahir Farooq Orders Immediate Implementation of SOPs, Digital System, and Cleanliness Improvements
In a decisive move to improve traffic management and restore order in Lahore’s congested commercial areas, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has officially banned the parking of Qingqi rickshaws and motorcycles in the corridors of the Shah Alam Market Parking Plaza.
The directive was issued during a comprehensive inspection visit to the facility by LDA Vice Chairman Mian Mehmood Ahmad and Director General Tahir Farooq, who were accompanied by senior officials including Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain and the Director of Enforcement.
🧾Inspection Highlights: Digital Overhaul and Public Facilitation
The Shah Alam Parking Plaza, located at the bustling D-Chowk of Shah Alam Market, is operated under the supervision of Traffic Engineering & Planning Agency (TEPA). The DG LDA emphasized that the core objective of the facility is to facilitate the public, and misuse of its space for informal vehicle storage goes against its purpose.
He further ordered that the entire system be digitized, with clear parking markings, entry-exit control, and an improved monitoring system to enhance operational efficiency and transparency.
🚫Strict Ban on Qingqi Rickshaws in Plaza
In response to growing concerns about the misuse of the facility by Qingqi rickshaw drivers, the DG imposed a complete ban on Qingqi rickshaws parking within the plaza premises, particularly the basement and corridors.
Officials noted that Qingqis, often used for short-distance commercial transport, were not only taking up unnecessary space but also contributing to congestion, noise, and safety hazards within the premises.
🧹Cleanliness, Lighting, and Safety Upgrades Ordered
During the inspection, DG Farooq also identified lapses in cleanliness, lighting, and basic maintenance. He directed plaza managers to immediately improve:
- Sanitation and garbage disposal
- Adequate lighting on all floors and basement
- Signage for vehicle categories and no-parking zones
- Security camera functionality and monitoring
📍Background: Commercial Overload and Misuse of Public Spaces
The Shah Alam Market area is one of Lahore’s oldest and busiest commercial centers. The parking plaza was built to ease the chronic parking chaos in the locality. However, in recent months, its corridors and ramps have been misused by motorcyclists and Qingqi operators as informal parking spots, defeating the facility’s purpose and causing inconvenience to legitimate users.
🛑Final Directives and Enforcement
LDA officials have now been directed to:
- Ensure full enforcement of the corridor parking ban
- Restrict Qingqi and unauthorized vehicles from entering the plaza
- Educate the public on proper use of the parking space
- Coordinate with traffic police for on-ground enforcement
A formal notification regarding the Qingqi rickshaw ban is expected to be circulated soon, and violators may face fines or removal of their vehicles under the new enforcement regime.
📣Public Response
Traders in Shah Alam Market have welcomed the decision, citing long-standing issues of blockage, security risks, and commercial misuse of the facility. However, some Qingqi operators have expressed concern over the lack of alternative parking zones.
The LDA has stated it will consider designating appropriate parking areas outside the commercial plaza to balance public transport needs with facility management.
Related Updates
- LDA announces digitization of all parking facilities in commercial areas
- Traffic management plan for Shah Alam Market to be finalized next month
- Alternative parking spaces for public transport vehicles under consideration
Posted on: May 23, 2025
