RAWALPINDI – Rawalpindi is bracing for traffic diversions as Pakistan and Sri Lanka prepare to play their first practice match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 6, with authorities announcing a special traffic plan to keep the city moving.
More than 300 traffic personnel will be deployed around the stadium and along key routes during the match and practice sessions. Additional officials will also be stationed on alternative roads to manage congestion and respond to changing traffic conditions. Officials announced closure of Stadium Road, which will remain shut in both directions between 9th Avenue Chowk and Double Road during the match.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and plan their journeys in advance to prevent delays.
Rawalpindi Traffic Update
Traffic travelling from Islamabad towards Rawalpindi will be diverted from Faizabad towards the Expressway during the movement of the teams. Meanwhile, motorists travelling from Rawalpindi towards Islamabad will face phased diversions at three major points.
The first diversion will be imposed at 6th Road, followed by Rehmanabad and then Chandni Chowk, depending on the movement of the teams and prevailing traffic conditions.
Authorities said the diversions would remain in effect only for the shortest period necessary to allow the teams to pass safely, with efforts focused on limiting inconvenience for commuters.
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Alternative routes
Those travelling from Islamabad towards Stadium Road and 9th Avenue will be able to enter Rawalpindi through Faizabad and IJP Road, and those travelling from 9th Avenue towards Islamabad can use Faizabad to reach the capital.
Traffic officials will closely monitor the roads throughout the match and may introduce additional measures if congestion builds up or traffic conditions require further intervention.
Parking areas
Cricket fans heading to the stadium have also been provided with three designated parking locations. Spectators have been advised to use only these parking areas and avoid leaving vehicles on roads or at locations that could obstruct traffic.
The arrangements are aimed at preventing parking-related congestion around the stadium and keeping traffic moving smoothly for both residents and match-goers.
Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam has urged citizens to follow the traffic plan and cooperate with personnel deployed around the stadium and on alternative routes. The public will also be kept updated about traffic conditions, diversions and road restrictions through official social media platforms and radio stations during the match.
Traffic authorities have asked commuters to avoid unnecessary travel through restricted areas, follow instructions from traffic personnel and allow additional time for their journeys.
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