MULTAN, Feb 4: Organizers of the second desert jeep rally have finalized dates from March 10 to 12 to hold the mega sport event at historical Derawar Fort in Cholistan desert, Bahawalpur.

TDCP’s Multan regional manager Sheikh Shoaib Ahmad said dates were finalized after a series of official meetings at Bahawalpur.

He said some 100 pairs of adventure-hungry drivers from across the country were expected to brave the odds of a sandy route, more or less 240-kilometre long.

Participants, he said, would reach Bahawalpur for technical inspection of their vehicles by experts on March 10. They would later take a round of the city in the form of a motorcade to inform the people about the event.

On March 11, they would leave for Cholistan desert to acquaint themselves with the race route. After spending a night in tents, the first vehicle would leave with a formal flag off signal on March 12 at 7am and others would follow after every three-minute interval.

The vehicle taking minimum time in covering the distance would be the winner.

“We expect the race would conclude in five hours in case of 100 participants. There will be a colourful prize distribution ceremony at Derawar Fort around 4pm.”

The race would begin from south-western side of fort and conclude at its south-eastern side, making it a round-shape route. Last year, it was an oval-shaped route.

Ordinary participants would be charged Rs10,000 fee and Rs25,000 in case of a company-sponsored vehicle, he said. Registration forms would be made available after Ashura and people would also be able to download them from the TDCP website.

Different committees were formed with varied tasks. EDO (Finance and Planning) Dr Raheel Siddiqui would be an overall programme coordinator while representatives from army, Houbara Foundation, TDCP MD Irfan Ali, Cholistan Development Authority, EDO (R), EDO (Health), EDO (C&W), Bahawalpur Four-Wheel Club and BCCI president would be members.

Another committee with Raheel Siddiqui as focal person, EDO (R) Ikramullah and TDCP’s Multan regional manager as members had also been formed, he said.

To give the event a cultural touch, arrangements would also be made to set up a craft bazaar with the help of NGOs and to arrange a musical programme.

A food street would also be set up where people from all income groups would be able to buy food.

Service vehicles equipped with first aid boxes and equipment and rescue teams would be around to help drivers and navigators in case of any emergency.

Drivers and navigators had been advised to wear helmets, fasten seat belts, have a shovel, hatchet, first aid box, spare parts, tools, lubricants, goggles, have foot wear covering whole feet to meet safety requirements.

Those having medical problem or some kind of disability were advised not to participate in the event, they said.—APP