Islamabad Expressway, Srinagar Highway open to traffic

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad traffic police on Wednesday night announced to open the Islamabad Expressway and the Srinagar Highway to traffic after the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

 All major and minor roads remained closed for three days as the federal capital hosted the China-led SCO conference from October 14 to October 16.

The traffic police said that the Islamabad Expressway and the Srinagar Highway have now been reopened to traffic in both directions.

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The traffic police said intermittent traffic interruption will continue on the Srinagar Highway until the foreign guests depart by tomorrow evening. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel on the route during peak hours to avoid delays.

For those needing access to the Red Zone, entry will be allowed via Margalla Road.

The Islamabad traffic police have urged citizens to stay informed by tuning into Islamabad Police Radio FM 92.4 or contacting the Pukar helpline at 15 to get real-time updates on the traffic situation.

The road closures in Islamabad from October 14 to October 16 were part of the security measures for the SCO summit, which brought high-profile foreign dignitaries to the city.

The Islamabad police, along with security agencies, erected barricades and checkpoints on major roads, including the Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway, to facilitate the smooth and secure movement of the guests.

However, these closures caused significant traffic disruptions for commuters, with many facing long delays. Residents in the Red Zone, in particular, experienced challenges due to restricted access.

Margalla Road was designated as an alternative route for those needing to enter the high-security area, but congestion remained a problem in several parts of the city.

Many commuters expressed frustration over the lack of alternative routes and the limited time windows when roads were fully open.