Motorways Closed Due to Fog in Punjab: Latest Updates, Affected Routes & Safety Tips

Foggy weather repeats itself every winter in Punjab, Pakistan. Five major motorways were closed by the authorities surrounding the major province of Punjab, Pakistan, due to thick fog in January 2026 to protect the travellers‘ lives. The poor visibility made it very dangerous to drive late at night and early in the morning.

The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) has reported that for many routes, visibility has fallen beneath what they consider to be a safe level. Therefore, traffic has been stopped on certain sections of the motorway until conditions improve.

In this article, you will find detailed information about which motorways are currently closed due to fog; why fog is dangerous; how the fog forms in Punjab; safety tips for motorists; advice from officials; and when your route may reopen. This article is written in plain English with SEO-friendly key search terms and includes frequently asked questions, focus keywords, and meta description.

Why Motorways Are Closed Due to Fog in Punjab

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The winter months often see an increase in thick fog covering the Punjab region of Pakistan (and other parts of the world). During this thick fog, some visibility may be less than 50 meters, making it very difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, road signs, or the upcoming turns when they are within 50 meters. With this type of low visibility, the possibility of road accidents increases.

Main Reasons for Motorway Closures During Fog

The Main reasons for Motorway Police closing roads are due to:

• Drivers’ inability to judge distances correctly.
• Driving at high speeds when there is very low visibility can be fatal.
• Chain reaction accidents can occur more frequently in thick fog
• Large trucks have a longer stopping distance.

Motorways being closed are a proactive safety precaution against injuries and deaths.

• Air pollution levels are high

Which Motorways Are Closed Due to Fog in Punjab?

There were five motorways that failed to open due to fog‘s effects on visibility:

M-2 Motorway

• Closed Area: Between Thokar Niaz Baig to Chakri.
• Connecting the cities of Lahore and Islamabad, this thoroughfare is among the most traveled in the country of Pakistan.

M-3 Motorway

• Closed Area: Between Faizpur to Samundri.
• This particular motorway is required for all vehicle movements travelled from Lahore to Faisalabad.

M-4 Motorway

• Closed Area: Between Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad.
• This thoroughfare is very frequently used for commercial/industrial traffic.

M-11 Motorway

• Closed Area: Between the city of Lahore and Sial Mor, Near Sambrial.
• The newest of the motorways happening between the cities of Lahore and Sialkot.

M-14 Motorway

• Closed Area: Between Daud Khel to Isa Khel.
• This thoroughfare connects two areas in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, respectively.

Note: All motorways mentioned above were temporarily shut down until visibility conditions improved enough for reopening the motorways.

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Motorway Police officials stated that the decision was made entirely for public safety and that life should take precedence over arriving at one‘s destination on time.

Additionally, while fog is present, Motorway Police Patrol Units will continue to patrol and monitor weather conditions.

• Assist stranded drivers
• Reopened roads when the conditions and traffic hazard are safe.

Why Is Fog Common in Punjab During the Winter Season?

One of the primary reasons for foggy weather in Punjab is a weather pattern known as temperature inversion. 

Temperature inversion occurs when the normal heating pattern of warmer air rising above colder air occurs in reverse during winter months (i.e., cool air remains trapped underneath warm air). This results in:

• Limited movement of cold air: As the temperature drops at night, the cold air becomes “trapped“ beneath the heated/warmer air mass (temperature inversion). 
• The accumulation of moisture/aerated matter (pollution) that condenses into fog. Thus, fog typically thickens/lasts longer than normal due to lack of wind circulation. Some climate conditions that increase the intensity of fog include: 
• Very low night temperature (it has to drop below 0°C) 
• Low wind speed (<< 2 kph) 
• High air pollution level (aerosols) in a localized area

When Will Motorways Reopen After Fog?

The Motorway Police have indicated that:

• As soon as visibility improves, motorways will be opened for traffic.
• The Motorway Patrol Team is continually monitoring this situation.
• The Motorway Police will announce the opening of motorways to the public through formal channels.

Typically, fog lifts:

• After sunrise
• With an increase in wind speed
• With a slight rise in temperature

Also read: Punjab Government Jobs Latest Advertisement

How to Get Official Updates on Motorway Closures

If you are an operator of a motor vehicle and want to know the status of your vehicle, there are three ways to obtain up–to–date information from the Motorway Police:

1. By calling 130, the Motorway Police helpline.
2. By following the Motorway Police on social media and on their official Facebook page.
3. By searching reputable news websites and utilising smartphones and other electronic means of accessing traffic reports.

Do not rely on the hearsay. Always verify the information you hear before undertaking a long trip.

Conclusion: Staying Safe During Foggy Conditions in Punjab

In Punjab, there are a number of areas that are regularly impacted by dense fog during the winter. It was essential to close five of the major motorways so that fewer people would die because of it. While this can create a tremendous amount of inconvenience for motorists, it does protect the lives of many people on an annual basis.

By following safety guidelines, staying informed, and avoiding unnecessary travel during foggy conditions, drivers can help reduce accidents and ensure safer roads for everyone.

Stay updated via NHMP Twitter @NHMPofficial or call 130.”

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