Strict Traffic Restrictions for Kanwar Yatra in Western Uttar Pradesh
Traffic Regulations for Kanwar Yatra
Muzaffarnagar/Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), July 29 – In preparation for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra during the month of Shravan, stringent traffic restrictions will be enforced in various phases across western Uttar Pradesh. Starting August 4, all vehicular movement will be completely halted on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway and the Ganga Canal route within 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.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar announced on Wednesday that from July 30, heavy vehicles will be prohibited on main routes, with a complete ban on all types of vehicles on the aforementioned highways beginning August 4.
Kumar informed reporters that alternative routes will be designated for vehicles to ensure the uninterrupted movement of Kanwariyas. As part of the route diversion plan, vehicles traveling from Haridwar and Saharanpur to Delhi will be redirected through Deoband, Pacheda, Meerut, and Mawana before reaching Delhi. The return traffic will follow the same route.
Officials indicated that the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has arranged for buses to operate on the designated routes, although passengers may experience longer travel times and higher fares due to the increased distance. The Kanwar Yatra involves devotees of Lord Shiva bringing holy Ganga water from Haridwar and other riverbanks to their hometown temples, with the journey commencing on July 30 and concluding on August 11.
In Ghaziabad, police have announced a phased route diversion plan from July 29 to August 12. According to police sources, heavy freight vehicles coming into the city from Delhi have been barred since Wednesday morning and redirected via the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Ganga Expressway, and Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. Starting the morning of August 5, restrictions will also apply to light commercial vehicles, cars, tempos, and other passenger vehicles.
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 vehicles except Kanwariyas starting August 7. Additionally, from August 5, all types of government and private buses will be prohibited from entering Ghaziabad city from the Seemapuri border and Tulsi Niketan, with alternative routes provided.
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 the establishment of around 300 Kanwar camps, with participation from over 205 Kanwar organizations. Furthermore, more than 24 medical camps, 65 ambulances, and over 250 reserved hospital beds have been arranged, along with the deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams at sensitive ghats along the Ganga Canal. The administration has also ordered the closure of non-vegetarian eateries along the Yatra route and inspected 170 liquor shops.
Transformers along the route have been covered for safety, and the Kanwar Yatra will be monitored using CCTV cameras. Authorities have issued warnings of strict action against those spreading rumors.