As the third week of January unfolds, a dense blanket of fog has engulfed Punjab, severely disrupting road travel and leading to the closure of several key motorways on Monday. The persistent haze, unusually thick in the morning, lingered into the evening, obscuring visibility even before sunset and prompting major safety interventions from authorities.
Major Motorway Sections Closed for Safety
In response to the hazardous conditions, the National Highways & Motorway Police (NH&MP) have shut down critical sections of the motorway network. The Lahore-Faisalabad Motorway (M-3) has been closed from Darkhana to Rajana, a stretch known for heavier traffic. According to Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed, the fog in this particular segment is more intense compared to other parts of the same route.
The M-3 Motorway, which originates from the junction near Lahore and terminates at the M-4 near Abdul Hakeem, passes near significant central Punjabi cities including Nankana Sahib, Jaranwala, Samundri, and Pir Mahal. The closure points, Darkhana (a village near the Abdul Hakeem Interchange) and Rajana (a major interchange and toll plaza), are crucial junctions where the M-3 and M-4 motorways converge.
The disruption is not limited to M-3. The M-4 motorway has also been closed from Gojra to Multan, while the M-5 from Multan to Zahir Pir remains shut due to the persistent foggy conditions this evening.
Official Advisory for Travelers
Spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed emphasized that the primary reason for these closures is the protection of public life and property. "Lanes are not clearly visible in fog, and lane violations can lead to dangerous accidents," he stated, explaining the proactive measure.
For citizens who must undertake essential travel during such conditions, the Motorway Police issued a strict advisory. Travelers are urged to:
- Maintain strict lane discipline.
- Avoid high speeds and drive cautiously.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
The authorities have also directed the public to contact the Motorway Police helpline 130 for any guidance or emergency assistance required while on the road.
Staying Safe During the Fog Season
The current foggy spell, typical for this time of year in Punjab's plains, underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Reduced visibility is a major cause of chain-reaction accidents on high-speed roads. The Motorway Police's decision to close sections is a preventive step, often taken when visibility drops below a safe threshold.
Commuters are advised to plan their journeys by checking the latest road status updates from official sources, allowing for extra travel time, and ensuring their vehicle's fog lights are functional. The spokesperson's reminder to follow lane discipline is critical, as straying from lanes in low visibility can have catastrophic consequences.
