The Kanwar Yatra 2026 is set to begin from July 30, and authorities in Uttar Pradesh have announced major traffic changes to ensure the smooth movement and safety of devotees.
During the pilgrimage, heavy vehicles on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway and the Ganga Canal Road in Muzaffarnagar will face restrictions from July 30.
A complete ban on vehicle movement on selected routes will be enforced from August 4 to August 12.
The Kanwar Yatra sees thousands of devotees, known as kanwariyas, collect holy water from the Ganga River in Haridwar and carry it back to offer at Shiva temples in their hometowns.
Delhi-Haridwar Highway to Be Reserved for Kanwariyas
According to police officials, a section of the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway will be reserved exclusively for kanwariyas during the pilgrimage.
Traffic restrictions will be introduced in phases:
From July 30: Heavy vehicle movement will be restricted.
From August 4 to August 12: Complete vehicle restrictions will be imposed on affected routes.
These measures are expected to impact traffic movement between Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand during the busiest days of the yatra.
Police Increase Security Arrangements Along Routes
Authorities have increased security measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Police divers will be deployed at major bathing points along the Ganga Canal Road to assist during emergencies and prevent accidents.
A temporary police station has also been set up at Rampur Tiraha on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway.
Around 20 police personnel will be stationed there during the pilgrimage.
Sub-Inspector Subhash Chand has been appointed as the station house officer of the temporary police station.
350 Buses to Run Between Ghaziabad and Haridwar
To manage the increase in passenger demand during Kanwar Yatra, around 350 buses will operate between Ghaziabad and Haridwar for 12 days.
Temporary bus depots will be created at Lal Kuan and Dasna to improve transport management and coordination.
Officials said these buses will operate like regular services and help passengers travel to Haridwar during the pilgrimage period.
Important Travel Updates for Commuters
People planning to travel through these routes should keep the following points in mind:
July 30 onwards: Heavy vehicles will face restrictions on Delhi-Haridwar National Highway and Ganga Canal Road.
August 4 to August 12: Vehicle movement will be completely stopped on selected stretches.
July 30 to August 11: Main Kanwar Yatra period.
- During the pilgrimage: Special police deployments and additional bus services will be available.
Commuters travelling between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are advised to plan their journeys in advance and check alternate routes during the yatra period.
