The Delhi Police issued a traffic advisory for Kanwar Yatra, which is set to commence from today, July 22. In the advisory the police cautioned about expected congestion at multiple locations.
“The holy expedition called Kanwar Yatra commences on the first day of Sawan (Shravan), i.e., July 22, 2024. It culminates on the Chaturdashi Tithi, i.e., August 2, 2024, as holy Ganga water will be offered to Lord Shiva. A large number of Kanwariyas reach Delhi, and some of them go to Haryana and Rajasthan via Delhi borders. This year the expected number is about 15- 20 lakhs,” it said.
This year, the pilgrimage is anticipated to draw between 1.5 to 2 million devotees, known as Kanwariyas, who travel to Delhi and beyond, including Haryana and Rajasthan via Delhi’s borders.
Diversions in Delhi due to Kanwar Yatra
To facilitate a smooth yatra for Kanwariyas, the advisory outlines traffic diversions. Heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) will be redirected by UP Police from Mohan Nagar towards NH-24, with restrictions on Wazirabad Road via Bhopura and GT Road via Apsra Border.
Similarly, HTVs except city buses will be rerouted away from GT Road towards Shahdra and Wazirabad Road.
“HTVs except city buses will not be allowed on GT Road towards Shahdra and Wazirabad Road. Heavy Commercial transport vehicles except city buses coming from GT Karnal Road at Outer Ring Road will be diverted straight towards NH-24 and will not be allowed to move on Wazirabad Road and GT Road towards Shahadra,” it said.
Traffic congestion likely at key routes in Delhi
Throughout the event, significant traffic congestion is expected at various points including Najafgarh Firni, Rohtak Road, Pankha Road, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, and several other key locations. Motorists are urged to plan their routes in advance to minimise inconvenience.
“During these days, due to the movement of Kanwarias and the setting up of ‘Kanwaria Camps’ on road side, traffic congestion/obstruction is experienced at several places. Generally heavy traffic congestion occurs on Najafgarh Firni, Rohtak Road, Pankha Road, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Nangloi-Najafgarh Road, Outer Ring Road, Rani Jhansi Road from Baraf Khana Chowk to Fire Station, Boulevard Road and at Azad Market Chowk, Gokul Puri fly over, 66 Foota Road, Maujpur Chowk, Badarpur T Point, Mathura Raod. Similarly, traffic congestion is experienced on NH-08 from Dhaula Kuan Metro Station up to Rajokri Border. Due to the diversion of vehicular traffic, bound for Apsara Border and Maharajpur Border to Ghazipur, by UP Police, there will be congestion on NH-24 as well,” the advisory further stated.
Delhi Police to ensure orderly movement
Additionally, the advisory stresses adherence to traffic regulations and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure safety and orderly movement during the Kanwar Yatra.
Motorists and road users should plan their travel in advance to minimize inconvenience and avoid delays. Kanwarias can be found in various locations across Delhi, in addition to major roads and intersections. The Delhi Traffic Police has implemented extensive measures to manage the movement of Kanwarias and other road users, aiming to reduce inconvenience for the general public and devotees.
All devotees and road users are reminded to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and follow instructions from on-duty police officers. During the Kanwar Yatra period, traffic violations will be actively monitored through immediate prosecution and photographic evidence.
It is advised that the general public and motorists maintain patience, adhere to traffic rules and road discipline, and cooperate with traffic personnel stationed at all intersections.