Ludhiana's public transport faced significant disruption as the state transport department diverted 132 government buses to ferry attendees to the Maghi Mela in Muktsar Sahib. This diversion, affecting over half of Ludhiana's operational fleet, left commuters, including daily wage earners and women using the free travel scheme, stranded in cold weather. Passengers expressed frustration over the lack of alternatives and the inconvenience caused during the festive season, with some suggesting private buses should be used for such events.