CHITRAL, Jan 11, 2010: The residents of Chitral have deeply resented the provincial government for keeping ‘mum’ over the exorbitant rate of fares of public transport between Chitral and Dir Upper.

Talking to this correspondent here, they said that the fare of single passenger on the route through the Lowari top was Rs300 but it was raised by Rs100 when the tunnel was opened for the public which could not be understood.

They said that through the Lowari tunnel, the length of journey had been shortened by two hours and the about 40 per cent fuel of vehicles was also being saved. “No entrance fee has been levied on vehicles and it takes only twenty minutes to pass through the tunnel,” a local said while opposing the raise in fares.

Expressing their disappointment, they said that the people had yet to be benefited from the opening of the tunnel as they experience no leniency and ease in the fares and the prices of daily use items. They demanded of the government to reduce prices of daily use items and transport fares in the district. They also sought action against profiteers in Chitral.