Dense fog shuts Punjab motorways, Lahore traffic hit

Dense fog shuts Punjab motorways, Lahore traffic hit

December, 30 2025

(Web Desk): Dense fog across Punjab has forced multiple motorway closures, disrupting traffic in Lahore and other cities as authorities issue travel advisories and safety guidelines amid dangerously low visibility.

Dense fog once again blanketed large parts of Punjab, including Lahore, during the night between Monday and Tuesday, severely disrupting routine life and paralysing road traffic due to extremely low visibility.

According to reports, thick fog reduced visibility to between zero and 100 metres at several locations, making travel hazardous on major highways and motorways. As a precautionary measure, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) closed several motorway sections to prevent accidents.

A Motorway Police spokesperson confirmed that Motorway M-2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, Motorway M-3 from Faizpur to Samundri, Motorway M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad, and Motorway M-11 from Lahore to Sialkot were closed for all types of traffic due to dense fog conditions.

In addition, the entry of heavy vehicles was prohibited on Motorway M-3 from Faizpur to Darkhana and Motorway M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakim, as fog continued to impair visibility and increase the risk of serious accidents.

Motorway Police sources stated that the safest travel window during foggy conditions is between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, when visibility usually improves. Motorists were strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when fog intensity is at its peak.

Authorities urged commuters to use alternative routes such as the Grand Trunk (GT) Road where possible and to remain cautious, as fog conditions can worsen suddenly during winter. The NHMP also appealed to citizens to stay at home unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Dense fog has not only affected motorways but has also disrupted traffic on several National Highways across Punjab, further compounding travel difficulties for commuters and transporters.

Also Read: Dense fog travel advisory: Essential safety tips for commuters

Motorway Police Safety Advisory for Foggy Conditions

Despite partial reopenings in some areas, officials warned that fog is expected to return during late-night and early-morning hours. The NHMP issued strict safety guidelines for motorists:

Reduce speed and drive cautiously
Use fog lights and low-beam headlights
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
Avoid sudden lane changes and abrupt braking
Follow lane discipline at all times
Avoid speeding during low visibility
Monitor official travel advisories before starting a journey

Motorists were once again advised to prefer travel between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm and to avoid unnecessary journeys during fog-prone hours.

Helpline and Continued Monitoring

The Motorway Police emphasized that fog conditions during the winter season can deteriorate rapidly. Authorities said they are continuously monitoring weather and visibility conditions, and additional restrictions may be imposed if visibility drops again, especially on high-speed routes connecting major urban centres.

Citizens were advised to stay updated through official announcements and contact the Motorway Police helpline 130 for real-time traffic updates, route guidance, or emergency assistance.

Officials reiterated that public cooperation is essential to ensure road safety during the ongoing winter fog season in Punjab.