Traffic Restrictions for Kanwar Yatra in Western Uttar Pradesh

As the Kanwar Yatra approaches, strict traffic regulations will be enforced in Western Uttar Pradesh to ensure the smooth movement of devotees. Starting August 4, vehicle movement will be halted on key routes, impacting travel between major cities. Authorities have arranged alternate routes and increased police presence for safety. With extensive preparations underway, including medical camps and monitoring systems, the administration aims to facilitate a secure pilgrimage experience for all participants. Read on to learn more about the specific measures and changes in travel plans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 16:58 IST

Traffic Regulations for Kanwar Yatra

During the month of Shravan, strict traffic regulations will be enforced in phases, particularly in Western Uttar Pradesh, for the Kanwar Yatra. Starting August 4, all vehicle movement will be completely halted on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway and the Ganga Canal route in Muzaffarnagar district to facilitate the smooth passage of Kanwariyas. These restrictions are expected to impact travel between Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Saharanpur, potentially leading to longer journeys and increased fares for buses and taxis.

Sanjay Kumar, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Muzaffarnagar, announced on Wednesday that heavy vehicles will be prohibited on main roads from July 30, with a complete ban on all types of vehicles on the aforementioned routes starting August 4.

Alternate Routes for Vehicles

To ensure the smooth movement of Kanwariyas, vehicles will be redirected to alternative routes. Kumar explained that under the traffic diversion plan, vehicles traveling from Haridwar and Saharanpur to Delhi will be rerouted through Deoband, Pacheda, Meerut, and Mawana before reaching Delhi. The return traffic will follow the same path.

Bus Services and Travel Impact

Officials have indicated that the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation will operate buses on the designated alternate routes. However, due to the increased distance, passengers may experience longer travel times and higher fares. The Kanwar Yatra involves devotees of Lord Shiva bringing holy Ganga water from Haridwar and other riverbanks to their hometown temples, commencing on July 30 and concluding on August 11.

Traffic Management in Ghaziabad

In Ghaziabad, police have announced a phased traffic diversion plan from July 29 to August 12. According to police sources, heavy goods vehicles coming into the city from Delhi have been barred since Wednesday morning and redirected to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Ganga Expressway, and Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. Restrictions on light commercial vehicles, cars, tempos, and other passenger vehicles will begin on the morning of August 5.

Safety Measures and Police Deployment

Sources revealed that the road along the Ganga Canal and Pipeline Road will be completely closed, while access to the Delhi-Meerut Expressway will be restricted for all except Kanwariyas starting August 7. Authorities have also prohibited all types of government and private buses from entering Ghaziabad city from the Seemapuri border and Tulsi Niketan from August 5, redirecting them to alternate routes. Reports from Bareilly indicate that extensive arrangements have been made for the Kanwar Yatra, with over 3,900 police personnel deployed for the safety of devotees.

Enhanced Security in Bareilly

Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya stated that for security purposes, Bareilly district has been divided into three super zones, nine zones, 28 sectors, and 104 sub-sectors. He mentioned that ten temporary police inspection centers have been established, and over 270 CCTV cameras have been installed for round-the-clock monitoring. According to police records, Bareilly has 1,205 Shiva temples, with approximately 499 of them conducting water offerings during the holy month of Shravan, and 14 temples designated as major pilgrimage sites.

Final Preparations and Medical Arrangements

Arya confirmed that the security plan has been finalized after briefing all officials, with monitoring through CCTV to ensure no inconvenience to devotees. Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar stated that preparations for the Yatra are complete, with the district divided into 11 zones, 24 sectors, and 108 sub-sectors for administrative oversight. Officials anticipate setting up around 300 Kanwar camps, with participation from over 205 Kanwar organizations.

Health and Safety Measures

Additionally, more than 24 medical camps, 65 ambulances, and over 250 reserve hospital beds have been arranged, with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed at sensitive ghats along the Ganga Canal. Authorities have closed meat-serving establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route and inspected 170 liquor shops. They also reported that transformers along the route have been covered.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Officials indicated that the Kanwar Yatra will be monitored using CCTV cameras, and strict action will be taken against those spreading rumors.