The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued an important update on March 2 concerning the traffic flow and access points to the city’s highly sensitive Red Zone. This new directive restricts entry into the Red Zone exclusively to two main routes: Margalla Road and the path passing by the Marriott Hotel. All other roads that previously allowed access to this area have been temporarily sealed off until further notice, aiming to streamline traffic and enhance security measures in the capital’s administrative heart.
Motorists approaching from Club Road have been specifically advised to avoid direct entry routes and instead take a detour via Kashmir Chowk. From there, drivers should proceed along Srinagar Highway, then onto Seventh Avenue, before finally joining Margalla Road to reach the Red Zone. This rerouting is designed to manage traffic congestion and ensure smoother vehicle movement while maintaining strict control over access points.
Similarly, travelers coming from Barakahu have been instructed to follow the same alternative path. They must use Kashmir Chowk as a junction, then continue along Srinagar Highway, followed by Seventh Avenue, and ultimately Margalla Road to enter the Red Zone. These changes reflect the authorities’ ongoing efforts to regulate traffic flow in this critical area, which houses several government offices and diplomatic missions.
For residents and commuters seeking real-time updates on traffic conditions, the Islamabad Traffic Police have made available multiple channels of communication. Citizens can dial the emergency helpline at 15 or the dedicated Traffic Helpline at 1915 for immediate assistance and information. Additionally, live traffic updates are broadcast continuously on ITP FM 92.4, providing an accessible platform for drivers to plan their journeys more effectively and avoid delays.
It is worth noting that the Red Zone in Islamabad is a highly secured area, often subject to special traffic regulations due to the presence of key government buildings and foreign embassies. These new restrictions are part of broader security protocols implemented periodically to safeguard the area and maintain order during times of heightened alert or special events. Commuters are urged to remain patient and adhere strictly to the updated routes to avoid inconvenience and ensure their own safety.
