M2 Sheikhupura Interchange Closed for Repairs
Sheikhupura Interchange closed on the M2 Motorway on Wednesday, as Motorway Police shut both entry and exit at the interchange while crews repair a section of the northbound carriageway. The closure will stay in place until the work is complete.
Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the Motorway Police’s Central Region, said the repair work covers kilometres 45 to 48 of the motorway. He advised motorists who normally use Sheikhupura Interchange to enter and exit the motorway through Hiran Minar Interchange instead.
Motorway Police officers are on duty to guide traffic and inform travellers about the alternative route. Ahmed urged motorists to use the alternative route until crews complete the repairs and asked road users to follow Motorway Police instructions.
Sheikhupura Interchange closed: what to use instead
The closure applies to Sheikhupura Interchange in both directions. Motorists cannot enter the M2 from Sheikhupura, and traffic coming from Lahore or Islamabad cannot leave the motorway there.
Hiran Minar Interchange is the designated alternative. It serves the same district and connects to the local road network around Sheikhupura. Travellers heading to the city should plan for extra time, as traffic on the alternative route will be heavier than usual while the closure lasts.
The Hiran Minar monument and its tank stand near the alternative interchange. The site is one of the best known landmarks in the area, and the interchange takes its name from it.
No reopening time has been announced. Motorway Police say the interchange will stay closed until the repair crews finish their work, so travellers should check the latest position before setting out.
Fog adds to the pressure on motorways
The closure comes as several motorway routes are being heavily affected by fog. The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) have urged the public to be cautious during travel in low visibility.
Fog is a regular winter problem on the Lahore-Islamabad motorway. Visibility can fall sharply in the early morning, and police often close sections at short notice when conditions turn dangerous. Drivers are advised to keep speeds low, use fog lights where fitted, and avoid unnecessary travel during the worst hours.
Feature Pakistan reported on Nov 3 that the M3 Motorway was closed between Faizpur and Jaranwala because of fog, with NHMP advising safer travel hours of 10am to 6pm. That closure followed the same pattern: a sudden drop in visibility, a temporary shutdown, and a diversion to alternative routes.
The Punjab EPA has also been tracking the season’s poor air. Its assessment linked Diwali fireworks across the border to a sharp spike in Lahore’s air pollution, with the city’s air quality index climbing through the Diwali weekend. Fog and smog often arrive together in Punjab in November, and both cut visibility on the motorways. Feature Pakistan covered the EPA’s findings in its report on Lahore’s smog and the Diwali air spike.
Planning around motorway closures
Short-notice closures are now a familiar part of winter travel in Punjab. Large gatherings add to the strain on the same roads. Feature Pakistan reported on Nov 4 that a traffic plan had been announced for the Raiwind Ijtima, with phased arrangements for the November congregations. Events of that scale push heavy traffic onto the motorways around Lahore, and closures such as the one at Sheikhupura make the planning harder.
Travellers can reduce the risk of delay by checking the NHMP position before departure, leaving earlier than usual, and keeping fuel and drinking water in the vehicle. Families travelling with children should allow extra time for the diversion, and drivers should avoid stopping on the hard shoulder except in an emergency.
The repair work at kilometres 45 to 48 is a short stretch, but the interchange closure affects every driver who uses Sheikhupura as a gateway to the M2. Until the crews finish, Hiran Minar is the way in and out, and patience on the diversion will be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sheikhupura Interchange closed?
Motorway Police have closed it temporarily so crews can repair a section of the northbound M2 Motorway between kilometres 45 and 48.
Can I enter or leave the M2 at Sheikhupura?
No. Both entry and exit at Sheikhupura Interchange have been suspended until the repairs are complete.
Which interchange should I use instead?
Motorists should use Hiran Minar Interchange to enter and exit the motorway while Sheikhupura Interchange is closed.
When will Sheikhupura Interchange reopen?
No reopening time has been announced. Motorway Police say it will stay closed until the repair crews complete their work.
Is fog affecting motorways as well?
Yes. Several motorway routes are being heavily affected by fog, and the National Highway and Motorway Police have urged the public to be cautious during travel.
