Authorities in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have implemented extensive traffic restrictions and diversion plans in anticipation of the Kanwar Yatra 2026. The annual pilgrimage, which commenced on July 30 and culminates on August 11, necessitates significant adjustments to traffic flow to ensure the safety of devotees and minimise disruption to regular commuters.
Delhi Grapples with Congestion Amidst Yatra
The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on August 10, 2026, warning of likely traffic congestion on key routes including Kalindi Kunj junction, Okhla Barrage road, Noida–Kalindi Kunj road, and connecting roads towards Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Commuters have been strongly advised to avoid routes passing through Kalindi Kunj junction and to plan their journeys in advance, allowing for extra travel time. Traffic movement around Kalindi Kunj Junction is expected to remain slow and congested until August 12, 2026, due to the heavy movement of Kanwariyas and ongoing road repair work on the Okhla Barrage–Kalindi Kunj stretch. The Delhi government has assured that Kanwariyas will not face difficulties during their pilgrimage.
Further restrictions in Delhi include the closure of GT Road (Apsara Border to Yamuna Bridge) for general traffic on August 11–12, 2026. Alternate corridors such as NH-9 and NH-44 have been recommended for commuters. Additionally, heavy goods vehicles bound for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have faced specific diversions around the Ring Road and Wazirabad. Alternate routes like NH-9 and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway are recommended for these vehicles.
Haryana and Gurugram Implement Diversions
In Haryana, the Gurugram traffic police issued a special advisory for heavy vehicles from August 9 to August 11, 2026. The advisory aims to ease traffic pressure and ensure the safe passage of Kanwar pilgrims. Heavy vehicles moving from Delhi towards Rajasthan, Jhajjar, Rewari, Pataudi, Nuh, and Faridabad via Gurugram have been advised to avoid key routes and instead utilize the Dwarka Expressway and the Kundli–Manesar–Palwal (KMP) Expressway via Panchgaon Chowk. These measures are intended to divert traffic away from congested areas and ensure uninterrupted movement for pilgrims.
Uttar Pradesh Faces Extensive Road Closures
The Uttar Pradesh administration has put in place a comprehensive traffic diversion plan and enhanced security measures. In Ghaziabad, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) has been restricted for general traffic on August 10 and 11, 2026, due to heavy pilgrim traffic on NH-58 and the Delhi-Meerut route. Commuters are advised to use NH-09 as a primary alternative route, with specific diversions provided for the Siddharth Vihar to Meerut Tiraha stretch. Heavy vehicles entering Muzaffarnagar district have been prohibited from July 29-30 until August 12, 2026. For a significant period, the left carriageway of National Highway-58 from the Haridwar side has been reserved exclusively for Kanwariyas, with the right carriageway open for light vehicles. From August 4 to August 12, 2026, traffic on NH-58 is completely restricted, with both carriageways reserved for pilgrims. The Delhi-Haridwar National Highway and the Ganga Canal Road have seen a complete ban on all vehicular movement from August 4 to August 12, 2026, with only emergency services permitted. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway is also scheduled to be closed from August 7 to August 12, 2026.
Authorities in all three states have urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance, use public transport where possible, and cooperate with traffic personnel deployed to manage the situation. These arrangements are crucial for facilitating the smooth and safe conduct of the Kanwar Yatra while maintaining essential movement for the general public.
The Chenab Times News Desk