FESCO Peak Hours
FESCO, or the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company, implements peak hours to manage electricity demand across its service area. During these designated times, electricity consumption is generally higher, putting a strain on the power grid.
To incentivize reduced usage and optimize resource allocation, FESCO charges higher electricity rates during peak hours compared to off-peak hours.
When are Peak / Off Peak Timings?
| Season | Peak Timing | Off-Peak Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Dec to Feb | 5 PM to 9 PM | Remaining 20 hours |
| Mar to May | 6 PM to 10 PM | -do- |
| Jun to Aug | 7 PM to 11 PM | -do- |
| Sep to Nov | 6 PM to 10 PM | -do- |
During these times, electricity consumption is at its highest, and FESCO charges higher rates.
By reducing your electricity use during peak hours, you can help to lower your electricity bill and reduce strain on the power grid.
What Causes Peak Hour Traffic at FESCO?
Some key reasons why FESCO experiences severe traffic congestion during the above peak times are:
1. Heavy port operations and movement of cargo trucks in and out of the terminal
2. Traditional working hours of port employees and FESCO staff
3. Simultaneous inbound and outbound traffic of both cargo and passenger vehicles
4. Limited road capacity around the port area
5. Traffic from nearby Fish Harbour and Korangi Industrial Area
6. Illegally parked heavy vehicles along the route
This combination of heavy port activity, commuter traffic, limited infrastructure, and on-road obstructions reduces the road capacity significantly during peak hours – leading to massive jams.
Tips to Avoid FESCO Peak Hour Traffic:
Here are some tips to avoid getting stuck in traffic around FESCO during peak hours:
1. Plan your trip early morning before 7 AM or late evening after 7 PM
2. Use alternative routes like Shahrah-e-Faisal or Rashid Minhas Road to bypass the port area
3. Travel using public transport like metro bus to avoid driving yourself
4. Have meetings scheduled mid-day between 10 AM – 2 PM
5. Avoid road side parking and double parking during peak hours
6. Maintain calm and safe driving to avoid collisions that can block traffic
7. Use navigation apps like Google Maps to get real-time traffic updates and alternative routes
Best Alternative Routes During FESCO Peak Hours:
To avoid the gridlock around FESCO terminals, you can take the following alternative routes:
1. Shahrah-e-Faisal: Take the Metropole or Nursery exits to reach FESCO using the longer but faster Shahrah-e-Faisal
2. Rashid Minhas Road: Enter the port area from Gulshan using Rashid Minhas Road
3. University Road: Take the University Road exit at Safora Chowrangi and drive through Gulistan-e-Jauhar
5. N5 National Highway: Use the N5 highway from Superhighway/Motorway to bypass the city centre
6. Public Transport: Use metro bus lines and avoid driving yourself.
These alternative routes can significantly cut down your travel time if you need to commute during the FESCO peak hours.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about dealing with peak hour congestion around FESCO:
How long does the peak hour traffic last at FESCO?
The worst traffic congestion is from 4 PM – 7 PM. Delays generally last 2-3 hours during the evening peak. Morning peak from 7 AM – 10 AM sees relatively less congestion.
What is the best time to avoid traffic around FESCO?
Early morning before 7 AM and late evening after 7 PM are ideal times with minimal congestion. Mid-day from 10 AM – 2 PM is also relatively traffic free.
Is traffic at FESCO bad on weekends?
Weekend traffic is significantly less than regular weekdays. Saturdays see medium traffic while Sundays have minimal congestion.
How can truck drivers avoid FESCO peak hour jams?
Truckers should start early morning or do night haulage. Maintaining truck schedules outside 4 PM – 7 PM is advised. Taking alternative routes also avoids delays.
Will the traffic situation at FESCO improve in the future?
Yes, with new infrastructure projects like freight corridors, circular railway expansion, and proposed Eastern Expressway – traffic issues around ports will reduce. But currently peak hours remain congested.
Conclusion
Managing traffic congestion during peak times requires joint effort from port authorities, traffic police, transporters associations and commuters.
Avoiding FESCO during the peak hours of 7-10 AM, 12-3 PM and 4-7 PM can significantly reduce travel delays. Planning alternative routes in advance using navigation apps, and using public transport can also minimize hassle.
With awareness about peak hours, smart planning, and using technology – it’s certainly possible to sail smoothly through traffic around the busy FESCO terminal.
