Islamabad Traffic Diversions: Alternate Routes Guide

Islamabad commuters should prepare for delays today as the Islamabad Traffic Police has announced temporary traffic diversions on the Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway because of cricket team movement.

The advisory says the exact closure points can change during the day, so drivers should stay alert for new instructions from traffic wardens. Officials have asked motorists to add around 20 to 25 minutes to their travel time, especially if they use these busy routes during peak hours.

These new diversions come as the capital has already seen traffic pressure around the Red Zone and nearby roads. That means drivers may face slower movement on more than one link road at the same time.

Where the diversions may happen

The most affected stretch on Srinagar Highway is expected between Serena Chowk and Ninth Avenue. Temporary closures or diversions may also appear at different points on the Islamabad Expressway, depending on the movement of the cricket teams and police traffic control plans.

Because the situation can change quickly, drivers should not assume one route will stay open for the full journey.

Alternative routes on Srinagar Highway

Motorists heading through the Srinagar Highway area can try these roads instead:

• Suhrawardy Road

• G-8 Service Road

• G-9 Service Road

If you are heading towards Faizabad, Faisal Avenue is one of the suggested alternatives. For drivers going towards Ninth Avenue, Service Road East may help avoid the blocked stretch.

If you want more background on earlier traffic shutdowns in the capital, read our related coverage on Islamabad Traffic Update: Red Zone & Expressway Closed for Foreign Delegations: Alternate Routes 2026 and Islamabad Traffic Diversions at Kashmir Chowk.

Routes for drivers coming from Koral

For those traveling from Koral towards Islamabad, the police have suggested these roads:

• Old Airport Road

• Rawal Road

• Murree Road

• IJP Road

• Faqir Aipee Road

If Koral Expressway is also closed for a short time, drivers may need to use Lehtrar Road or Park Road instead.

The key advice is to choose a route based on your destination rather than switching roads again and again. That can save time and reduce confusion during sudden closures.

What drivers should do now

Islamabad Traffic Police has urged motorists to:

• follow traffic wardens and diversion signs

• avoid stopping near barricades or controlled points

• keep phone battery and fuel level ready for a longer trip

• check navigation apps before leaving

• leave early if they have work, school runs, or airport travel

Using public transport or carpooling may also help if your route passes through the affected corridor.

For now, no permanent road closure or new traffic law has been announced. This is a temporary advisory linked to team movement, and timings may shift without much notice.

Commuters should check the latest Islamabad Traffic Police instructions before setting out and keep an alternate route in mind from the start.

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