Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage in the Hindi month of Sawan (July/August), sees devotees of Lord Shiva, known as kanwariyas, journey to collect holy water from the Ganges River. This year, disruptions are expected as police authorities plan to close a significant of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) in Ghaziabad for the yatra.
Traffic Diversions and Restrictions
Starting from the night of July 28, all six lanes of the expressway will be closed to traffic from UP Gate at the Delhi border to Kashi toll plaza near Meerut border. This closure is anticipated to last for at least five days. However, adjacent lanes of NH-9 will remain operational during this period. Ajay Kumar Mishra, the police commissioner, assured that a detailed traffic diversion strategy is being formulated to manage this situation effectively.
In Ghaziabad, three main routes are traditionally used by pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi heading towards Haridwar for the yatra. Pilgrims walking on foot primarily take the Pipeline Road from Loni Border to Niwari. Another group, the dak kanwariyas, who travel barefoot and are supported by relay runners in trucks or bikes, predominantly utilize the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Additionally, a considerable number of kanwariyas opt for NH-34 via GT Road.
Phased Implementation of Traffic Restrictions
Traffic restrictions will be implemented in phases to accommodate the influx of Kanwariyas on their pilgrimage to fetch holy water from the Ganges. Here's how the restrictions will unfold:
Phase 1 (July 22–July 24): Heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses will be redirected to NH 9 and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Light vehicles will still have access to both the expressway and NH 58.
Phase 2 (July 25–July 28): Light vehicles can use NH 58 but must stay on the left side of the road when traveling from Delhi to Haridwar, creating a dedicated lane for Kanwariyas.
Phase 3 (July 29–August 4): This phase will see the strictest measures with a complete prohibition on all vehicles on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and NH 58 between Haridwar and Meerut.
Mishra highlighted that last year’s preference for using DME among dak kanwariyas influenced this year's decision. To minimise inconvenience, a comprehensive diversion plan will be disseminated across social media and other communication platforms.
Last year, similar measures led to traffic diversions onto NH-9, causing congestion. Alternative routes such as the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, DND Flyway, and Noida Expressway were utilized to mitigate the impact on commuters.
This annual event continues to draw thousands of devotees each year despite these disruptions. The authorities' efforts aim to ensure safety while accommodating religious practices during this significant period.
