The Delhi Police have issued a traffic advisory for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, which is expected to begin on Monday, July 22, 2024. The annual procession, which culminates on August 2, 2024, is anticipated to see the participation of around two million devotees, known as Kanwariyas. This year, the Delhi Police are expecting increased congestion in several areas due to the influx of Kanwariyas.
The advisory highlights several traffic management measures implemented by the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police to facilitate a smooth journey for the devotees while minimizing disruption for the general public. These measures include:
1.
Temporary Closure of Delhi-Meerut Expressway for Heavy Vehicles:
The Uttar Pradesh Police has temporarily closed the Delhi-Meerut Expressway for heavy vehicles during the pilgrimage period, advising commuters to utilize alternate routes.2.
Diversion of Heavy Transport Vehicles on NH-24:
The UP Police will divert heavy transport vehicles (HTV) from Mohan Nagar towards NH-24 to facilitate the movement of Kanwariyas. Heavy transport vehicles will not be permitted to travel towards Wazirabad Road via Bhopura or towards GT Road via Apsra Border.3.
Restrictions on Heavy Commercial Transport on GT Road:
Heavy commercial transport vehicles, excluding city buses, will not be allowed on GT Road towards Shahdra and Wazirabad Road. Vehicles coming from GT Karnal Road at Outer Ring Road will be diverted straight towards NH-24, prohibiting them from using Wazirabad Road and GT Road towards Shahadra.4.
Diversion of Heavy Commercial Transport on Loni Road and Wazirabad Road:
All heavy commercial transport, excluding city buses, travelling from Loni Road (Shahadra side) will be redirected onto Wazirabad Road to exit at Outer Ring Road. Similarly, heavy commercial transport coming from areas such as Sonia Vihar, PTS Wazirabad Pusta, and Pusta Road will be diverted onto Wazirabad Road towards Outer Ring Road to access NH-24.5.
Anticipated Congestion on NH-08 and NH-24:
The Delhi Police anticipates traffic congestion on NH-08 from Dhaula Kuan Metro Station to Rajokri Border due to the movement of Kanwariyas and the establishment of Kanwaria Camps along the roadside. Additionally, diversions implemented by the UP Police for vehicles bound for Apsara Border and Maharajpur Border to Ghazipur are expected to lead to congestion on NH-24.6.
Planning Travel in Advance:
Motorists and road users are advised to plan their travel in advance to avoid inconvenience and delays during the Kanwar Yatra.7.
Traffic Management Measures for General Public:
The Delhi Traffic Police has implemented extensive measures to separate the movement of Kanwariyas from other road users, aiming to minimize disruption for the general public.8.
Enforcement of Traffic Rules:
The Delhi Traffic Police has emphasized the importance of following traffic rules and obeying the directions of policemen on duty during the Kanwar Yatra. Traffic violations will be checked by on-the-spot prosecution and by photography/videography of violations, which will be followed by prosecution.The Kanwar Yatra is a significant religious pilgrimage for Hindus, and the Delhi Police are working to ensure a safe and smooth journey for the devotees while minimizing disruption to the general public. Road users are advised to stay updated on the latest traffic advisories and plan their travel accordingly.
