Kashmir Chowk Islamabad Closed: Diversion Routes

Kashmir Chowk in Islamabad is being treated as a closed junction for now, with traffic sent onto diversion routes while the Kashmir Chowk Underpass work continues. According to a source report, drivers heading for Bhara Kahu, Rawal Dam Chowk and nearby areas should avoid the junction and use the announced detours instead: source report.

For daily commuters, this is not a small change. It can mean a missed turn, a longer drive and more fuel burned just because you reached the area at the wrong end.

What the closure means for you

The report says Kashmir Chowk has been closed to traffic until further notice because underpass construction is still under way. It also says the restriction affects traffic moving toward Bhara Kahu, Rawal Dam Chowk and adjoining areas. For background, read our earlier coverage: Islamabad Traffic Update: Red Zone & Expressway Closed for Foreign Delegations: Alternate Routes 2026.

That matters because this junction is a key link for people coming from different parts of Islamabad and heading toward Murree-side routes. So if you usually pass through this point on your way to work, school runs or a family trip, it’s better to plan your move before you leave.

If you want a wider look at how this project has been covered earlier, DrivePK had also explained the construction stage and traffic impact in Islamabad Kashmir Chowk Underpass Work Starts Sept 27.

Reported diversion routes for drivers

The route advice in the report is simple, but you need to follow it in the right order.

Rawal Dam side toward Bhara Kahu

If you are coming from Rawal Dam side and want to go toward Bhara Kahu, the reported detour is:

1. Use the Srinagar Highway loop.

1. Take the Margalla Mor U-turn.

1. Continue toward Bhara Kahu.

Don’t try to push through Kashmir Chowk hoping it will open a little further ahead. If the junction is blocked, that only wastes time and adds pressure to traffic behind you.

Aabpara side toward Kashmir Chowk / Rawal Chowk

If you are coming from Aabpara side, the reported route is:

2. Stay on Srinagar Highway toward Korang Wala Chowk.

1. Use the Naval U-turn.

1. Head back toward Rawal Chowk.

This is the second main movement reported for the closure. And yes, you should be ready for police control at the spot, because on-ground traffic handling can change.

Why this closure is being watched closely

The report says the Capital Development Authority estimates traffic at Kashmir Chowk at around 107,000 vehicles daily. That is a heavy flow for one junction, so even a short closure can be felt across the surrounding roads.

The same report says the Kashmir Chowk Underpass was reported to be 51% complete, with a reported project cost of Rs1.4 billion. It also says authorities were aiming for completion around the first week of November 2026, though that is only a target, not a confirmed reopening date.

According to the same source report, the planned design includes dedicated underpasses for traffic coming from Serena and Faizabad toward Murree, along with four slip roads. But again, that does not mean the road will reopen on that timeline.

How to cut the stress if you must travel

If you have to pass this side of Islamabad, a few small choices can save you a lot of trouble:

• Leave earlier than usual, especially in the morning and evening rush.

• Follow traffic wardens and on-road signs first.

• Use the Margalla Mor or Naval U-turns instead of making last-minute lane changes.

• Check the latest Islamabad Traffic Police update before you start.

• Give yourself extra fuel and extra patience. Both help more than shortcuts.

The main thing is simple: choose the correct diversion before you reach Kashmir Chowk, not after.

Conclusion

For now, treat Kashmir Chowk as closed until a fresh Islamabad Traffic Police advisory says otherwise. If you are coming from Rawal Dam toward Bhara Kahu, take the Srinagar Highway loop, then the Margalla Mor U-turn. If you are coming from Aabpara toward Kashmir Chowk or Rawal Chowk, use Srinagar Highway toward Korang Wala Chowk, then take the Naval U-turn.

The reported underpass target around the first week of November 2026 is not a confirmed reopening date, so don’t plan your commute around it. Use the official diversion, allow extra time and check the latest traffic update before you head out.

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