Islamabad Police have announced diversions and alternate routes on Park Road near the Margalla Enclave underpass, advising commuters to expect delays and plan extra travel time.
Islamabad Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory for motorists using Park Road, as construction work continues on the Margalla Enclave underpass. Authorities have warned that traffic congestion and delays are likely in the area and are urging citizens to plan their journeys carefully while the development project is underway.
The advisory outlines diversions for vehicles travelling in both directions between Rawal Dam Chowk and Taramari, along with guidance on alternative routes and helplines for real-time updates. Commuters have been asked to allow extra travel time and to follow the instructions of traffic wardens deployed on-site.
Why the Margalla Enclave Underpass Affects Traffic
Park Road is one of the key corridors linking Rawal Dam Chowk with major residential and institutional areas around Taramari, NIH and adjoining localities. With work in progress on the Margalla Enclave underpass, sections of the road are constricted, reducing the available carriageway for vehicles and creating bottlenecks during peak hours.
Islamabad Police have cautioned that the road will remain under heavy traffic load for the duration of the construction activity. The combination of lane closures, construction machinery and diverted traffic flows means that motorists could face slower movement, especially during office timings and school opening and closing hours.
The advisory emphasises that the temporary inconvenience is linked to long-term improvements in traffic flow once the underpass is completed. However, until then, drivers are being encouraged to use diversions responsibly and to cooperate with traffic officials to minimise the risk of gridlocks and accidents.
Diversion Plan from Rawal Dam Chowk to Taramari
For vehicles travelling from Rawal Dam Chowk towards Taramari, Islamabad Police have announced a diversion through NIH Road. According to the plan, traffic will be routed off Park Road and directed through the National Institute of Health (NIH) area before rejoining the main corridor further ahead.
After turning onto NIH Road, vehicles will pass via Mohra Noor and then merge back onto Park Road beyond the main construction zone. This diversion is intended to keep vehicles away from the most congested section around the Margalla Enclave underpass, reducing pressure on the work site and helping traffic to spread out over a wider network of streets.
Motorists using this route are advised to drive slowly through residential stretches, follow signage and remain patient, as traffic volumes may still be higher than usual during busy periods.
Route Plan from Taramari to Rawal Dam Chowk
For commuters heading in the opposite direction, from Taramari towards Rawal Dam Chowk, a separate diversion has been put in place. Traffic will be guided through Chai Khana, CDA Nursery and along two temporary roads laid out beside the iron grill barrier before merging back onto Park Road.
These temporary roads have been arranged to keep vehicles moving around the construction site while maintaining a degree of separation between work zones and live traffic. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to cones, barriers and the instructions of traffic wardens stationed along the route.
Because these diversions may involve narrower stretches and temporary surfaces, Islamabad Police have advised motorists to avoid speeding, sudden lane changes and unnecessary overtaking, all of which can increase the risk of collisions in constrained spaces.
Alternate Routes and Extra Travel Time
To ease pressure on Park Road, authorities are strongly recommending that commuters who do not specifically need to pass through the underpass zone consider alternate routes. Suggested options include using Lehtrar Road, Khanna Pul and the Islamabad Expressway, which can offer faster travel times depending on the time of day and overall traffic load.
Islamabad Police have advised citizens to build an additional 20 to 30 minutes into their travel plans while the construction work continues. This buffer is particularly important for those heading to offices, schools, hospitals or time-sensitive appointments, where delays could cause significant inconvenience.
Motorists are also encouraged to check traffic conditions before starting their journeys and, where possible, adjust departure times to avoid peak-hour congestion on Park Road and its connecting routes.
Traffic Helplines and Support for Commuters
Traffic police personnel will remain deployed around the Margalla Enclave underpass and along diversion routes to help regulate traffic flow and assist commuters. Wardens will be responsible for managing junctions, guiding vehicles through temporary lanes and responding quickly to any incidents that might disrupt movement.
For real-time information or further guidance, citizens can contact the Islamabad Traffic Police helpline at 1915 or the emergency number 15. These lines can provide updates on congestion, diversions and any changes to the traffic plan as the construction work progresses.
Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with traffic staff, respect diversions and avoid unnecessary honking or blocking intersections. With coordinated efforts from both enforcement agencies and road users, the city hopes to manage disruption on Park Road while keeping the underpass project on schedule.
