The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has announced the temporary closure of three major entry and exit routes leading to the Red Zone, advising commuters to use alternative access points from November 3, 2026, until further notice.
The restrictions affect routes around Serena Hotel, NADRA Chowk and Express Chowk. Citizens travelling towards the high-security area have been advised to use Ayub Chowk, the Marriott Hotel route and Margalla Road instead.
Traffic police personnel have been deployed at relevant locations to guide motorists and help manage movement during the restrictions.
Authorities have also advised commuters to allow an additional 20 minutes for their journeys to avoid delays and inconvenience.
The advisory is particularly important for people travelling to government offices, diplomatic areas and other destinations within or around the Red Zone.
Islamabad Red Zone Routes Closed From November 3
According to the traffic advisory, three important access points leading to the Red Zone have been temporarily closed.
The affected routes include:
- Serena Hotel route: Traffic movement through the designated Serena access point has been suspended.
- NADRA Chowk: The entry and exit route near NADRA Chowk is closed.
- Express Chowk: The route leading towards the Red Zone through Express Chowk is also closed.
The restrictions came into effect on November 3 and will remain in place until further notice.
Motorists have been advised not to approach the closed access points unnecessarily and to follow directions from traffic police personnel stationed along the affected roads.
The closures may affect people travelling from different parts of Islamabad, particularly those who regularly use these routes to reach offices and other destinations in the Red Zone.
Three Alternative Routes Available for Red Zone Entry
While the three access points remain closed, Islamabad Traffic Police has identified alternative routes for citizens who need to enter the Red Zone.
Commuters can use the following access points:
| Alternative Route | Traffic Advisory |
|---|---|
| Ayub Chowk | Available for Red Zone entry |
| Marriott Hotel route | Available for Red Zone access |
| Margalla Road | Available for Red Zone entry |
These alternative routes are intended to maintain access to the area while traffic movement is restricted at Serena Hotel, NADRA Chowk and Express Chowk.
Motorists should follow the directions provided by traffic personnel and use the designated access points rather than attempting to enter through closed roads.
Drivers unfamiliar with the alternative routes are advised to check the latest traffic updates before starting their journeys.
Commuters Advised to Allow 20 Extra Minutes
Islamabad Traffic Police has advised citizens to plan their journeys carefully and allow an additional 20 minutes when travelling towards or around the Red Zone.
The temporary restrictions could increase pressure on the remaining entry points, particularly during busy commuting hours.
Motorists may experience slower movement as vehicles are redirected towards the designated alternative routes.
People travelling for official appointments, meetings or other time-sensitive commitments should leave earlier than usual to reduce the risk of arriving late.
Traffic police personnel are expected to remain present at key locations to guide commuters and help maintain the flow of vehicles.
Citizens have also been advised to cooperate with officers and follow traffic signs and instructions during the restrictions.
Government Employees and Visitors Asked to Plan Ahead
The closures could particularly affect government employees, office visitors and people who regularly travel through the federal capital’s Red Zone.
The area contains several important government buildings and diplomatic facilities, making access restrictions particularly relevant for daily commuters.
People visiting government offices should confirm their appointments and allow sufficient time to reach their destinations.
Visitors unfamiliar with Islamabad’s road network should identify the alternative access points before travelling.
Motorists should also avoid parking or stopping unnecessarily near closed entry points, as this could create additional congestion and make traffic management more difficult.
The alternative routes through Ayub Chowk, Marriott Hotel and Margalla Road remain the designated options under the reported advisory.
Traffic Helpline 1915 Available for Assistance
Citizens seeking further information about the road closures and traffic arrangements can contact the Islamabad Traffic Police helpline.
The traffic helpline is available at:
1915
Commuters can also follow Islamabad Traffic Police’s official social media platforms for announcements and updates regarding road conditions and possible changes to the advisory.
Another source of traffic information is ITP’s FM radio service at 92.4 FM, which provides updates for motorists travelling through Islamabad.
Drivers are encouraged to check these channels before leaving home, particularly when travelling towards the Red Zone.
How Long Will the Islamabad Road Closures Continue?
The traffic restrictions announced by Islamabad Traffic Police will remain effective from November 3, 2026, until further notice.
No specific reopening date has been provided in the reported advisory.
Citizens should therefore avoid assuming that the affected routes will reopen after a particular number of hours or days.
The reopening of Serena Hotel, NADRA Chowk and Express Chowk access points will depend on a further announcement from the relevant authorities.
Until then, motorists should use Ayub Chowk, the Marriott Hotel route and Margalla Road for Red Zone access.
The temporary arrangements highlight the importance of checking official traffic updates before travelling through restricted areas of the federal capital.
For commuters, using the designated alternative routes, allowing extra travel time and following police instructions will help reduce inconvenience while the closures remain in effect.
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