SCO Summit: Islamabad Traffic Plan for October 14-16, 2024

In preparation for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled to take place from October 14 to 16, 2024, a comprehensive traffic plan has been issued for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The traffic diversion and road closures aim to ensure the smooth flow of traffic while accommodating the high-profile movements associated with the summit. Citizens are advised to take note of the alternative routes to avoid any disruptions.

Traffic Management in Islamabad

To manage the traffic flow during the SCO summit, over 1,100 traffic officers will be deployed across Islamabad. The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has issued a detailed traffic diversion plan to minimize inconvenience for residents and commuters. Roads leading to key areas will face closures, with alternative routes set up to mitigate congestion.

Key Diversion Routes:

1. Peshawar to Rawat via GT Road:

• Traffic will be diverted through Taxila, the Motorway, Chakri Interchange, Chak Beli Road, and Rawat. This alternative route will help avoid road closures during the summit.

1. Lahore to Peshawar via GT Road:

• Motorists traveling from Lahore to Peshawar will be redirected through Rawat, Chak Beli Road, Chakri Interchange, the Motorway, and Taxila to maintain a smooth flow of traffic.

1. Margalla Road to Rawalpindi:

• Traffic heading from Margalla Road to Rawalpindi will be diverted to 9th Avenue. Similarly, vehicles on Faisal Avenue towards Zero Point will also use 9th Avenue to avoid congestion.

1. Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi:

• Commuters traveling from Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi are advised to take Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road as alternative routes to ease traffic during the summit.

1. Rawalpindi to Islamabad:

• Traffic from Rawalpindi towards Islamabad will be diverted through 9th Avenue via Saddar and Murree Road to minimize congestion on the main routes.

1. Zero Point to Koral Chowk (Expressway):

• The road between Zero Point and Koral Chowk on the Expressway will be completely closed. Citizens are encouraged to use the service road as an alternative.

1. Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed Road to Faizabad:

• Vehicles traveling along Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed Road to Faizabad will be diverted via Stadium Road signal to 9th Avenue for uninterrupted travel.

Restrictions on Heavy Traffic

During the summit, heavy traffic will face specific restrictions:

• Peshawar to Lahore Heavy Traffic:
• Heavy vehicles from Peshawar to Lahore will be diverted through Taxila, Motorway, Tarnol Phatak, and Fateh Jang Road Interchange.
• Lahore to Islamabad and Rawalpindi via GT Road:
• Heavy traffic from Lahore will be redirected to Chak Beli Road, Chakri Interchange, and the Motorway.

From October 14 to 16, the entry of heavy traffic into Islamabad will be entirely restricted. Motorists and citizens are urged to follow the traffic police’s guidelines and utilize the designated alternative routes to ensure smooth travel during the summit.

The ITP has requested full cooperation from the public during this high-profile event to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth and safe traffic flow across the twin cities.