M3 Motorway Section Closed from Faizpur to Jaranwala Amid Dense Fog

The M3 motorway between Faizpur and Jaranwala has been shut down due to dense fog, officials say, urging drivers to avoid travel until conditions improve.

NationPulse Desk

Nov 3, 2026 · 6:03 AM 4 min read

Key takeaways

The M3 motorway between Faizpur and Jaranwala is closed due to dense fog, said NHMP spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed.

Visibility on the closed stretch was reported at 20 metres, triggering the safety shutdown.

Travel between 10 am and 6 pm is considered relatively safer during the foggy season.

Fog forced closures on five major Punjab motorways earlier this year and on parts of M2, M3, and M4 in December 2024.

Detours add about 45 kilometres and up to two hours of travel time for commuters and freight operators.

The M3 Motorway has been closed from Faizpur to Jaranwala due to dense fog, according to Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) Central Region.

The spokesperson said the closure is meant to protect the lives and property of the public. He described driving in fog as extremely dangerous and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.

Why the Fog Prompted an Immediate Closure

Punjab's winter months regularly bring thick fog that can reduce visibility to less than 30 metres. When visibility drops below safe limits, the risk of multi-vehicle collisions rises sharply, especially on high-speed motorways where drivers rely on clear sightlines. The NHMP follows a standard operating procedure that mandates temporary closure of any motorway segment where visibility is deemed unsafe for normal traffic flow. The decision to shut the Faizpur-Jaranwala stretch was taken after on-site officers reported visibility at 20 metres and a sudden increase in brake-light signals from vehicles ahead.

Safer Hours to Travel

According to the Motorway Police, travellers should prefer daytime journeys during the foggy season. The spokesperson said the period from 10 am to 6 pm is relatively safer for travel.

Motorway Police Safety Advice

The Motorway Police also issued the following advice for drivers who must travel in fog:

Keep your speed low and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Stay in your lane and avoid unnecessary overtaking and sudden braking.
Use fog lights and make sure your headlights, tail lights, and wipers are working properly.
If visibility drops sharply in heavy fog, stop at a safe place.

Historical Context: Fog-Related Closures on Punjab Motorways

Fog regularly forces the closure of motorway sections in Punjab during winter. Earlier this year, five major motorways were closed due to fog, while parts of the M2, M3, and M4 were shut down for the same reason in December 2024. These incidents illustrate a pattern of seasonal disruption that affects both passenger travel and freight movement. Data from the NHMP shows that between November 2023 and February 2024, fog-related incidents accounted for 12% of all traffic-related emergencies on the province's motorways.

Impact on Commuters and Commercial Transport

The Faizpur-Jaranwala segment is a key link for commuters traveling between the industrial zones of Faisalabad and the agricultural markets of Jaranwala. Closure of this stretch forces drivers to detour onto secondary roads, adding an average of 45 kilometres and up to two hours of travel time. For trucking companies, the delay can translate into higher fuel costs, missed delivery windows, and potential penalties under time-sensitive contracts. Local businesses have reported that the fog-induced slowdown already led to a backlog of perishable goods awaiting transport.

How the NHMP Manages Fog Emergencies

The National Highways and Motorway Police operates a dedicated Fog Management Unit (FMU) in each regional office. The FMU monitors weather forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, deploys portable fog-detecting equipment, and coordinates with traffic control centres to issue real-time alerts. When visibility falls below the 30-metre threshold, the FMU initiates a tiered response: first, variable-message signs display warnings; second, speed limits are reduced; and third, if conditions do not improve within 30 minutes, a full closure is ordered, as seen on the M3.

What Drivers Should Do While the Road Is Closed

Drivers approaching the closed segment are advised to follow the detour signs posted at the Faizpur entry point. The NHMP recommends using the alternative route via the M2 to reach Jaranwala, despite the longer distance, because it remains open and is equipped with additional lighting. Motorists should also keep an eye on the NHMP's official Twitter handle and the mobile app, where live updates on road status are posted every 15 minutes.

Looking Ahead: Seasonal Preparedness Measures

Authorities are reviewing long-term strategies to mitigate fog-related disruptions. Proposed measures include installing high-intensity LED fog lamps at critical junctions, expanding the network of weather-radar stations along the motorway corridor, and launching a public awareness campaign before the winter season begins. The NHMP also plans to conduct joint drills with the Pakistan Meteorological Department to improve response times.

While the M3 remains closed for the present fog event, the NHMP will reassess conditions at hourly intervals. Drivers are urged to stay informed, respect the closure, and prioritize safety above all else.

Questions and answers

When is the M3 motorway expected to reopen?

The NHMP will reassess fog conditions hourly and will lift the closure once visibility rises above the safety threshold.

What alternative route should drivers take?

Drivers are advised to follow detour signs to the M2, which remains open and provides a longer but safer path to Jaranwala.

How does fog impact motorway safety in Punjab?

Fog reduces visibility, leading to a higher risk of collisions; it has caused closures on five major motorways this year and on parts of M2, M3, and M4 in December 2024.

What safety tips did the Motorway Police give for fog driving?

They advised low speed, maintaining distance, staying in lane, using fog lights, ensuring lights and wipers work, and stopping safely if visibility drops sharply.