Islamabad Traffic Plan for SCO Summit Oct 14-16: Key road closures and alternative routes

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has released a detailed traffic management plan ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled from October 14 to 16, 2024, in Islamabad. To ensure the smooth movement of vehicles during the event, over 585 ITP officers will be deployed across the city, guiding citizens and managing traffic flow, according to an official statement.

Metro Bus Service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will also remain suspended during the event.

Key Road Closures and Diversions

Several critical roads in Islamabad will be closed during the summit:

• Millat Road to Kashmir Chowk and Dhokri Serena Hotel: Traffic on this route will be closed throughout the summit.
• Rawal Dam Chowk to Kashmir Chowk and Serena Malpur: No traffic will be allowed on this stretch.
• Aabpara and Srinagar Highway to Serena Hotel: These routes will also be blocked.

To minimize disruption, Chief Traffic Officer Muhammad Sarfraz Virk has assured the public that ITP officers will be stationed at key locations to assist motorists and provide information on alternative routes. Citizens are encouraged to stay updated through FM Radio 92.4 and ITP’s social media platforms for real-time traffic updates.

Suggested Alternative Routes

For residents and visitors traveling in and out of Islamabad during the summit, the ITP has recommended several alternative routes:

• From Murree/Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi: Commuters should use Korang Road via Park Road, turning left at Bani Gala, to reach Rawal Dam Chowk and Faizabad.
• From Faizabad to Bhara Kahu/Murree: Use Park Road, Bani Gala, and Korang Road as alternative routes.
• From Srinagar Highway to Murree/Bhara Kahu: Travelers should take Chand Tara Chowk, Pak China Centre, and Sports Complex before proceeding via Murree Road, Park Road, Bani Gala, and Korang Road.

Diversions for Heavy Traffic

Heavy vehicles traveling between major cities will face diversions:

Peshawar to Lahore: Heavy traffic must use the Taxila Motorway and Tarnol Railway crossing to reach the Fateh Jang Motorway.

Lahore via GT Road to Islamabad/Rawalpindi: This traffic will be diverted to Chak Beli Road to access the Chakri Motorway.

Local Traffic Diversions

Residents commuting within Islamabad and Rawalpindi will also encounter road closures and diversions:

• Traffic from Sectors F-5, G-5, G-6, and Margalla Road heading towards Rawalpindi: Traffic will be diverted to 9th Avenue.
• Faisal Avenue to Zero Point: Vehicles will be rerouted via 9th Avenue.
• Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi: Use Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road.
• Rawalpindi to Islamabad: Citizens should use 9th Avenue via Saddar and Murree Road.
• Zero Point, Faisal Avenue, and Koral Chowk (Expressway): This route will be closed, with the service road available as an alternative.

Heavy Traffic Restrictions

From October 14 to 16, all types of heavy traffic will be restricted from entering Islamabad to ensure minimal disruption during the summit. Sarfraz Virk urged citizens to cooperate with traffic authorities, follow instructions, and utilize alternative routes during the event.

Continuous updates will be provided via FM Radio 92.4 and ITP’s social media channels to keep the public informed of any traffic changes.