Kanwar Yatra 2026: The Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up preparations for the Kanwar Yatra beginning July 30, announcing a series of measures including round-the-clock control rooms, additional buses,
CCTV surveillance and enhanced security to ensure the smooth conduct of the month-long pilgrimage.
The annual Kanwar Yatra, one of the largest religious pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Shiva, begins across northern India with the starting of the Shravan month. Lakhs of devotees undertake long journeys on foot to collect holy water from the Ganga at pilgrimage centres such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gomukh and other sacred riverbanks and offer the sacred water to Lord Shiva at temples in their hometowns.
24×7 Control Rooms, Additional Buses
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will operate additional buses, particularly on the Haridwar route, besides increasing services to Lucknow, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj based on passenger demand.
A 24-hour control room will also be set up at every regional headquarters to monitor bus operations from the start of the yatra on July 30 until its conclusion, news agency PTI reported.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Transport Dayashankar Singh has directed officials to ensure safe operation of corporation buses and passenger convenience. Managing Director of the Transport Corporation Prabhu Narayan Singh said additional buses will be arranged for devotees travelling to Haridwar, along with major routes connecting Lucknow, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj, depending on passenger demand.
Passengers Amenities, Raod Safety In Focus
Officials have been instructed to ensure bus stations along Kanwar routes are equipped with drinking water, clean toilets, seating facilities, enquiry counters, public announcement systems, food stalls and proper sanitation.
The government has also directed mandatory breath analyser tests for UPSRTC drivers, strict adherence to speed limits and close coordination with police and district administrations on traffic diversions. Route changes will be communicated through WhatsApp groups and other official communication channels to minimise disruptions.
The Transport Minister also urged UPSRTC staff to maintain a cordial approach towards devotees and provide necessary assistance, ensuring that bus operations do not hinder the Kanwar Yatra.
Intense Security
As part of the security arrangements, four temporary police stations and 58 temporary police outposts have been established in the Meerut zone. According to Meerut Zone DIG Kalanidhi Naithani, these units will help maintain law and order, manage crowds and provide immediate assistance to devotees.
He said a temporary police station each was established in four districts and several outposts — nine in Meerut, 17 in Bulandshahr, 11 in Baghpat and 21 in Hapur — have also been set up. Police force has also been deployed at all these locations.
The DIG has instructed to make all temporary police stations and outposts pilgrim-friendly.
QR codes will be installed at all temporary police units to help pilgrims access route information and nearby facilities, while help desks and first-aid services will also be available. All temporary police stations and outposts have been GPS-mapped for effective monitoring.
Restrictions And Surveillance Measures
Following review meetings chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the government has ordered the closure of meat and liquor shops along Kanwar routes, enhanced surveillance through CCTV cameras, drones and police patrols, and strict action against the spread of rumours and fake news on social media.
Authorities have also prescribed limits on DJ sound levels and Kanwar dimensions. The maximum height of Kanwar and DJ setups has been capped at 10 feet, with sound levels not exceeding 75 decibels.
No kanwar carrying hockey sticks, baseball bats, clubs, swords or any other type of weapon will take part in the yatra, it said.
For two-wheeler riders, the use of modified silencers, pressure horns and devices that generate excessive noise has been banned.
Police also appealed to the pilgrims to adhere to traffic regulations and comply with the instructions issued by the administration.
Traffic Diversions From July 30
Police said heavy vehicles will be restricted on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway and the Ganga Canal road from July 30, while all vehicles will be barred from these routes between August 4 and August 12. A dedicated stretch of the highway will be reserved for Kanwariyas.
Officials said divers, medical teams and additional police personnel will be deployed at key locations to ensure the safety of devotees during the annual pilgrimage, which will continue until August 11.
(With inputs from agencies)
