Kanwar Yatra 2025: Heavy Vehicle Movement to Be Restricted on Gorakhpur-Lucknow Highway from July 19 Night; Diversion Plan Finalized

Uttar Pradesh – In preparation for the annual Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Shravan, authorities have finalized a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for the Gorakhpur-Lucknow National Highway. From 8 PM on July 19, 2025, the movement of heavy vehicles will be completely restricted on this route until further notice, to ensure the safety and convenience of the Kanwar pilgrims (Kanwariyas).

The traffic management plan, finalized by district and highway officials, aims to manage the surge in pedestrian traffic as lakhs of Kanwariyas are expected to travel towards prominent pilgrimage destinations such as Ayodhya and Bidhar Ghat (Sant Kabir Nagar) to collect sacred water from the Saryu River for Jalabhishek at local Shiva temples.

According to Abhyanath Mishra, Circle Officer of Traffic, during the peak days of Shravan month, particularly on Trayodashi (13th day) and Shivratri, large groups of Kanwariyas from various districts including Sant Kabir Nagar, Gorakhpur, and neighboring areas head toward temples like the ancient Tameshwar Nath Mandir for the ritual of offering water to Lord Shiva. This spiritual procession sees a dramatic increase in foot traffic on key highways, warranting stringent control over vehicular movement to avoid accidents and ensure a peaceful pilgrimage.

Key Highlights of the Traffic Plan:

• Starting Date & Time: Heavy vehicle movement will be prohibited from 8 PM on July 19, 2025.
• Highways Affected: The restriction will be enforced on the Gorakhpur–Lucknow National Highway and adjoining routes.
• Duration: The restriction will remain in effect until further notice, depending on the pilgrimage movement and administrative orders.

Diversion Routes for Heavy Vehicles:

To manage the inflow and outflow of traffic during the pilgrimage, specific diversion points and alternate routes have been defined:

1. Vehicles coming from Gorakhpur will be diverted at Maghar near the Durga Mandir area. They will be rerouted via Ghaghsara (under Sahjanwa police station).
2. At the Khaleelabad Bypass, vehicles will be redirected toward Mehdawal, avoiding the main highway route used by Kanwariyas.
3. From Kante Chauraha, traffic will be diverted to Munderwa to keep the main highway clear for pilgrims.
4. Similarly, traffic approaching from Tema Chauraha will be rerouted through the Semariyawan road.

Special Arrangements and Emergency Services:

• Multiple checkpoints and barricading will be installed at strategic locations such as Maghar Durga Temple, Khaleelabad Bypass, Kante Chauraha, and Tema Chauraha.
• Light motor vehicles (LMVs), ambulances, and emergency response vehicles will be allowed to pass through dedicated single-lane corridors, ensuring that essential services are not disrupted.
• Officials have indicated that the situation will be constantly monitored and adjustments will be made based on crowd density and real-time conditions.

Crowd Management and Public Safety:

The administration is focused on maintaining order during this massive spiritual event. “Given the huge turnout expected at Tameshwar Nath Temple and other sacred sites, meticulous planning is in place for crowd control, road safety, and emergency response preparedness,” said Abhyanath Mishra. Authorities have also appealed to truck drivers and transporters to cooperate with the revised movement guidelines and avoid using the restricted routes during the Yatra period.

Local residents and commuters are being advised to check route updates regularly, and if possible, avoid non-essential travel during the peak days of the Kanwar Yatra. Public awareness campaigns through local media, signage, and social media platforms have already been launched to inform citizens and transport agencies.