Delhi-Meerut Expressway To Remain Closed For 5 Days For The Annual Kanwar Yatra Pilgrimage; Traffic Restrictions Inside

The annual Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage draws near, bringing with it both religious fervour and traffic disruptions. This year, devotees of Lord Shiva, known as kanwariyas, can expect a significant closure on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) in Ghaziabad.

Delhi-Meerut Expressway To Remain Closed For Kanwar Yatra Pilgrimage

Starting from the night of July 28, all six lanes of the expressway will be off-limits to traffic for a minimum of five days. This closure stretches from UP Gate on the Delhi border to Kashi toll plaza near Meerut. However, fret not, regular commuters, as the adjacent lanes of NH-9 will remain operational throughout this period.

Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra assures the public that a detailed traffic diversion plan is in the works to ensure smooth movement during the pilgrimage. Last year’s similar closures resulted in congestion on NH-9, prompting authorities to explore alternative routes. These included the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, DND Flyway, and Noida Expressway, effectively easing the burden on regular commuters.

Also Read: ‘Travel Now, Pay Later’ Sees 11% Rise In Bookings To Indian Pilgrimage Sites; Bookings For Short-Haul Destinations Increase By 33%

Phased Traffic Restrictions

Ghaziabad traditionally witnesses three main routes used by pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi heading towards Haridwar. Pilgrims travelling on foot typically take Pipeline Road, connecting Loni Border to Niwari. Another group, the dak kanwariyas, travel barefoot with support from relay runners in trucks or bikes, and primarily utilise the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Additionally, a significant number of kanwariyas choose NH-34 via GT Road.

Authorities will implement traffic restrictions in phases to accommodate the influx of Kanwariyas. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Phase 1 (July 22nd-24th): Heavy vehicles like trucks and buses will be diverted to NH-9 and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Light vehicles can still use both the expressway and NH-58.
• Phase 2 (July 25th-28th): Light vehicles on NH-58 travelling from Delhi to Haridwar must stay on the left side of the road, creating a dedicated lane for the kanwariyas.
• Phase 3 (July 29th-August 4th): This phase implements the strictest measures, with a complete ban on all vehicles on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and NH-58 between Haridwar and Meerut.

Also Read: More Than 1.8 M People Took Hajj Pilgrimage This Year; Here’s More About It

To ensure a smooth pilgrimage for kanwariyas and minimise inconvenience for regular commuters, a comprehensive diversion plan will be widely disseminated across social media and other communication platforms. So, stay informed and plan your journeys accordingly during the Kanwar Yatra period.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons