In anticipation of the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, traffic authorities have announced significant changes affecting National Highway 58 (NH 58) linking Delhi to Haridwar, as well as the Delhi-Meerut Expressway.
The yatra, expected to attract a large number of devotees, will lead to phased suspensions of vehicular traffic from July 22 to August 4.
Dhruv Kant Thakur, Additional Director General of Police for the Meerut zone, chaired a meeting with officials from 14 districts across western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Delhi to finalize the traffic management strategy. Starting July 22, heavy vehicles will be restricted from using NH 58 and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. From July 25, only light and medium vehicles will be allowed on the left side of NH 58 for travel from Delhi to Haridwar.
With the influx of kanwariyas expected to peak in late July ahead of Shivratri on August 2, stricter measures will be implemented. Therefore, from July 29 to August 4, all vehicle types will face a complete ban on NH 58 and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway between Haridwar and Meerut.
Local police have been tasked with developing alternative routes and diversion plans to ensure smooth traffic flow during this period. A dedicated WhatsApp group covering the 14 districts will facilitate real-time coordination among officials to manage the increased number of devotees effectively.
Security measures are also being heightened to ensure the safety of kanwariyas throughout their journey. A high-level meeting held on July 6 in Meerut, attended by the Chief Secretary, DGP, and other officials, will further assess and strengthen preparations for the yatra.
The Kanwar Yatra traditionally attracts thousands of devotees who undertake the pilgrimage on foot, carrying holy water from the Ganges to offer at Lord Shiva temples on Shivratri.