With the Kanwar Yatra 2026 all set to start, officials across northern India have made special travel arrangements to ease the movement of lakhs of Kanwariyas while reducing disruption to regular travellers. Indian Railways, state transport departments, and the police have implemented additional train and bus services, along with major traffic diversions, in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states. Scroll down to know more.
Additional Trains & Bus Services For Kanwar Yatra 2026
As per a report by News18, to handle the festive rush, Northern Railway has extended the Delhi–Saharanpur MEMU and Delhi–Shamli DEMU services to Haridwar from July 30 to August 14, enhancing connectivity for devotees travelling to Haridwar and Rishikesh.
In addition, the Haridwar–Delhi Shahdara and Yoganagari Rishikesh–Delhi Shahdara Fair Special trains will be running during the Yatra, offering exclusive services for travellers. Meanwhile, Haryana Roadways is continuing to operate two daily buses between Ballabhgarh and Haridwar, with officials verifying that additional buses will be deployed if passenger demand increases. The fare remains ₹385 per passenger.
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As per the news portal, heavy traffic diversions have been imposed in Ghaziabad from July 29 to August 12. Heavy vehicles have been prohibited from entering the city and diverted via the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, NH-9 and the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. Restrictions will also apply to cars, auto-rickshaws and light commercial vehicles in several areas, especially around Dudheshwarnath Temple, from August 5. The authorities have also created green corridors for ambulances and emergency vehicles.
Traffic Movement Around UP For Kanwar Yatra 2026
In Muzaffarnagar, heavy vehicles will be restricted on the Delhi-Haridwar Highway and Ganga Canal Road from July 30, while all vehicle traffic on major stretches will be prohibited between August 4 and 12 to guarantee the uninterrupted movement of Kanwariyas.
The Delhi-Meerut Expressway (Uttar Pradesh section) will stay closed from August 7 to 12, with travellers advised to use the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and NH-9 as alternative routes.
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Separately, Mirzapur has declared route diversions and no-entry orders from July 31 to August 28, prohibiting heavy vehicles except those carrying essential goods. Officials have urged both pilgrims and regular travellers to check the latest train schedules, bus services and traffic advisories before travelling, as arrangements may change depending on crowd movement during the Yatra.
What are your thoughts about Kanwar Yatra 2026?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What is Kanwar Yatra?
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage where devotees of Lord Shiva walk to collect holy water from the Ganges River and carry it back to offer at local shrines.
When does Kanwar Yatra 2026 begins?
The 2026 Kanwar Yatra begins on July 30, 2026.
What are the key sites of Kanwar Yatra?
Pilgrims gather at holy sites like Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh, and Sultanganj to source the water.
