Delhi-Haridwar Highway to Face Vehicle Ban During Kanwar Yatra, August 4-12

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have announced traffic restrictions on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway and the Ganga Canal road during the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, with a complete ban on all vehicles on these routes from August 4 to August 12. The measures have been introduced to ensure the safe movement of lakhs of Kanwariyas expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage between July 30 and August 11.

According to police, restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles will begin on July 30, the first day of the yatra. From August 4 onwards, all types of vehicles will be prohibited from using the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway and the Ganga Canal road until August 12. A section of the highway will be reserved exclusively for Kanwariyas carrying holy Ganga water to Shiva temples in their hometowns.

Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Atul Kumar Chaubey said the traffic restrictions have been planned to facilitate the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage and minimise congestion along the busy route. Officials have urged commuters and transport operators to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes during the period when the restrictions are in force.

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To strengthen safety arrangements, District Magistrate Umesh Mishra said police divers will be deployed at major bathing points along the Ganga Canal road to assist pilgrims and respond to emergencies. Authorities expect a large influx of devotees during the yatra and have put in place additional measures to manage crowds and maintain public safety.

A temporary police station has also been established at Rampur Tiraha on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway to oversee security and law enforcement during the pilgrimage. Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjai Kumar said Sub-Inspector Subhash Chand has been appointed as the Station House Officer (SHO) of the temporary facility, with around 20 police personnel deployed to support operations.

The Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest annual religious pilgrimages in India, during which devotees collect holy water from the Ganga in Haridwar and offer it at Shiva temples across the country. With lakhs of pilgrims expected to travel through western Uttar Pradesh, authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with traffic advisories and follow official instructions to ensure a safe and orderly yatra.

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