Heavy fog has severely disrupted road travel across Punjab, leading to the closure of critical sections of the country's motorway network. The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) were compelled to shut down traffic on parts of the M-3 and M-4 motorways early Sunday morning due to dangerously low visibility.
Widespread Disruption on Major Arteries
The blanket of dense fog, a recurring winter hazard in the plains of Punjab, created treacherous driving conditions. Authorities reported that visibility plummeted to less than 50 meters in many areas, making high-speed travel on motorways extremely risky. In response, the NHMP took the decisive step of closing the M-3 motorway from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad and the M-4 motorway from Faisalabad to Gojra.
This closure effectively severed a major north-south transportation corridor, impacting thousands of commuters, commercial goods vehicles, and inter-city travelers. The timing, during a weekend, exacerbated the inconvenience for families and individuals on the move.
Official Advisories and Traveler Woes
In official communications, the motorway police strongly advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel until the fog lifts and conditions improve. For those already on the road or with essential journeys, the advice was to exercise extreme caution, use fog lights, reduce speed significantly, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
The disruption led to significant traffic congestion on alternative routes, as diverted vehicles flooded onto older national highways. Travelers reported hours of delays, with many stranded at toll plazas and entry points waiting for the situation to clear. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Pakistan's transport infrastructure to seasonal weather phenomena.
Broader Impact and Seasonal Precautions
Beyond the immediate motorway closures, the dense fog is expected to affect travel across the entire central Punjab region throughout the day. Flight operations at nearby airports can also face delays or cancellations under such conditions, creating a ripple effect of travel chaos.
Fog-related closures are an annual challenge during the winter months in Punjab. They pose serious risks of chain-reaction accidents, often with tragic consequences. The NHMP's proactive closure, while disruptive, is a standard safety protocol aimed at preventing major pile-ups.
Authorities typically monitor visibility levels closely and reopen sections as soon as it is safe to do so. Travelers are urged to check official NHMP social media channels or contact their helpline for real-time updates on road status before embarking on any journey during the fog season. The public is also reminded to ensure their vehicles are equipped with functional fog lights and that they are well-rested before driving in such demanding conditions.
