After over a decade, residents of Islamabad are finally seeing relief on the roads. More than 95% of previously closed U-turns and intersections have been reopened, significantly improving traffic flow throughout the city.
The decision, led by the local administration and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon, has been welcomed by commuters who were long forced to take lengthy detours. These closures, in place since 2011, had increased fuel consumption and travel times.
“This reopening was the result of joint efforts by all stakeholders,” said DC Memon. He also confirmed that the move is permanent and will not be reversed.
While many celebrate the reopening, some citizens and officials have raised concerns about potential congestion. A senior police official stated that traffic police would need more personnel to manage the newly accessible intersections, particularly those without traffic signals.
Originally, intersections and U-turns were closed citing security concerns and traffic flow, though officials now admit that a lack of manpower played a bigger role. Over 70 crossings had been blocked, raising safety issues—especially for school children and pedestrians.
Critics argue that these closures hurt pedestrian rights and encouraged reckless driving. A CDA official pointed out that the removal of crossings had erased zebra crossings in many areas, making Islamabad overly signal-free.