The annual Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage, a significant religious event in India, has brought about significant traffic alterations in the Delhi-NCR region. To facilitate the safe passage of pilgrims, authorities have implemented special measures, resulting in changes to regular traffic routes. The pilgrimage route, stretching from Haridwar to Delhi, passes through several major cities, including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Faridabad, leading to increased traffic congestion along these corridors.
From July 28 to August 4, Noida traffic police have restricted two out of four lanes between Okhla Barrage and Okhla Bird Sanctuary to ensure the safe passage of Kanwar Yatra pilgrims. The Uttar Pradesh police have also declared the closure of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway for heavy vehicles until 8 pm on August 5. Starting from July 29, these restrictions will extend to all vehicles, including private cars, traveling between Delhi and Meerut. These measures affect approximately four kilometers of the pilgrimage route, spanning from Mayur Vihar, through the Shani temple and Okhla Bird Sanctuary, up to Kalindi Kunj under Noida’s jurisdiction.
To facilitate the movement of pilgrims, barriers have been placed near the Sector 126 police station at Kalindi Kunj, directing traffic onto the two right lanes from Delhi towards Noida. This adjustment has caused bottlenecks and congestion. Additional traffic police officers have been deployed near Okhla Barrage to manage traffic flow and prevent congestion, especially during peak hours when the route becomes narrower.
Delhi traffic police have issued a traffic advisory on X, stating that they have made elaborate arrangements to minimize inconvenience to commuters and Kanwarias. The advisory includes specific routes and alternate roads for commuters traveling from Noida to Delhi and vice versa. Traffic will remain heavy at Kalindi Kunj Red Light and Road No. 13-A, Jasola Vihar, due to the UP Police’s restrictions on traffic movement on the carriageway from Kalindi Kunj towards Noida. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Here are some key points from the traffic advisory:
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Diversion points:
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Kalindi Kunj:
Traffic from Noida via Kalindi Kunj Yamuna bridge will have to take a right turn towards Road No. 13-A to reach Sarita Vihar flyover and further destinations as the movement at Agra Kanal Road would also be restricted.*
Sarita Vihar Flyover:
Heavy vehicles going to Noida would be restricted on Road No. 13-A to reduce congestion on the Kalindi Kunj Yamuna bridge.*
Road to be avoided:
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Kalindi Kunj Bridge Road-Kalindi Kunj Traffic Signal.
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Road No. 13-A – Sarita Vihar flyover to Kalindi Kunj signals Agra Canal Road (Eco Park Road)
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Alternate roads:
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Commuters coming from Noida may take Noida expressway DND-Ashram Chowk- Mathura Road.
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Commuters going to Noida from Sarita Vihar Flyover and Okhla may take Apollo Red Light, Mathura Road-Ashram Chowk-DND and enter Noida.
The traffic restrictions and diversions implemented for the Kanwar Yatra will be in effect until August 5, 2024. Commuters are advised to check traffic updates and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays and inconvenience.
