Heavy Traffic in Islamabad: What’s Causing the Congestion?
Residents of Islamabad have recently experienced significant traffic congestion across several major routes, leading to long delays and commuter frustration. Whether you're heading to work, school, or traveling across the city, navigating the capital has become increasingly challenging during peak hours.
2/17/20261 min read
Major Areas Affected
Some of the most heavily impacted roads and intersections include:
Express Highway
Srinagar Highway
Faisal Avenue
Zero Point Interchange
Faizabad Interchange
Park Road and PWD areas
These routes serve as critical arteries connecting different sectors of the city, so any disruption quickly leads to citywide slowdowns.
Why Is Traffic So Heavy?
Several factors are contributing to the ongoing congestion:
Ongoing Construction Projects
Infrastructure upgrades, including underpass construction and road expansion projects, have resulted in diversions and partial road closures. While these projects aim to improve long-term traffic flow, they are currently adding pressure to already busy roads.
Protests and Security Measures
Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi occasionally face road blockages due to political protests or heightened security arrangements. These events often lead to sudden closures and rerouting, causing traffic to pile up across alternative routes.
Peak-Hour Rush
Morning and evening rush hours continue to be the most congested times, especially around business districts and major interchanges like Zero Point and Faizabad.
Impact on Commuters
Drivers have reported extended travel times, with some journeys taking nearly double the usual duration. Public transport services and ride-hailing operations have also been affected, further adding to commuter inconvenience.
For many residents, daily routines now require earlier departures and careful route planning to avoid gridlock.
How to Manage Your Travel
If you're commuting within Islamabad, here are a few practical tips:
Check live traffic updates through navigation apps before leaving.
Plan alternate routes in advance.
Avoid peak hours if possible.
Allow extra travel time during ongoing construction phases.
While current conditions are frustrating, infrastructure developments underway are expected to ease congestion in the long term. Until then, patience and planning remain essential for navigating the capital’s busy roads.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration