As Meerut, Delhi and its surrounding regions gear up for the annual Kanwar Yatra, traffic restrictions on the Delhi-Haridwar route are set to begin in phases,
affecting commuters travelling between Delhi, Meerut and Haridwar. Authorities have asked people to plan their journeys in advance as heavy traffic movement is expected over the next two weeks. According to the traffic advisory, heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the Meerut-Haridwar corridor from July 30. A complete ban on all vehicles will be enforced on the Delhi-Haridwar Highway and the Ganga Canal road from August 4 to August 12 to ensure the smooth movement of kanwariyas. The restrictions are expected to affect travel between Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun and Saharanpur, with commuters likely to face longer journeys and higher bus and taxi fares due to diversions. Route diversions have already been in place since July 29, with general traffic diverted to alternative roads.
About Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra, one of North India's biggest religious pilgrimages, sees lakhs of Lord Shiva devotees travel to Haridwar to collect holy Ganga water before returning to their hometowns.
Every year, the Delhi-Haridwar Highway becomes one of the busiest routes during the pilgrimage, prompting authorities to introduce special traffic arrangements and security measures.
Locals Urge Cooperation as Annual Pilgrimage Returns
At a temporary police booth set up along the route in Meerut, officials were seen preparing for the expected rush of devotees. Police personnel have appealed to commuters, especially those travelling between Delhi and Uttarakhand, to follow traffic advisories and use alternate routes to avoid delays.
Local shopkeepers, who have witnessed the Kanwar Yatra for decades, said the pilgrimage has always brought a festive atmosphere to the area. While some admitted that temporary shop closures and traffic restrictions affect their daily income, they said the arrangements are a part of the annual event.
