Kanwar Yatra 2025: Ghaziabad Police Issues Comprehensive Traffic Advisory Ahead of Annual Pilgrimage; Major Diversions, Road Closures from July 11

Ghaziabad, – In preparation for the annual Kanwar Yatra 2025, the Ghaziabad Traffic Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory aimed at ensuring the smooth movement of Kanwariyas and maintaining public safety during the religious pilgrimage. The advisory, released on Friday, outlines a series of traffic diversions and road closures that will be implemented in and around Ghaziabad beginning July 11, 2025.

The Kanwar Yatra, a deeply significant Hindu pilgrimage observed during the month of Shravan, sees thousands of devotees—referred to as Kanwariyas—walking for hundreds of kilometers to fetch holy water from the Ganga and offer it to Lord Shiva in their hometown temples. With large crowds expected to converge on major roads and highways, the police have proactively planned to divert vehicular traffic to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of all participants.

Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles from July 11 to 24

According to the advisory, all heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, trolleys, and tractors, will be strictly prohibited on several arterial roads from July 11 at 10 PM until July 24, 2025. This move is intended to keep the yatra routes clear for the safety of pedestrians and to prevent congestion.

The routes affected by heavy vehicle restrictions include:

• Pipeline Road (Muradnagar to Tila Morh)
• Delhi–Meerut Road and the Delhi–Meerut Expressway (DME) main carriageways
• Kadrabad to Delhi-Ghaziabad Border Stretch (approx. 42.5 km)
• NH‑34 (formerly NH‑58)
• Key segments of the Gangnahar Patri Kanwar Road

In addition to these closures, the Delhi–Meerut Expressway, stretching from Kashi Toll Plaza to UP Gate (56 km), will remain completely shut for all vehicles until at least July 23, coinciding with Sawan Shivratri, the festival’s culmination.

Restrictions on Light Vehicles from July 17

Light vehicles will also face certain restrictions beginning July 17, particularly on routes heavily traversed by Kanwariyas. The advisory indicates that blockages will be in place along both the Delhi–Meerut Road and the Delhi–Meerut Expressway, depending on the influx of pilgrims.

To ease traffic flow, the Ghaziabad Police have suggested alternate routes and diversion plans:

• Heavy vehicles headed toward Hapur or Meerut will be rerouted via NH‑9, passing through UP Gate – Dasna – Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE).
• Before full closures come into effect, auxiliary lanes along the Delhi–Meerut Expressway will remain temporarily open to ease congestion.
• No entry zones for heavy vehicles have been declared at the following points: Loni Border, Gaur Green, Khoda, Kalapatthar, Sector 62, Chhijarasi, and Kanwani on NH‑9 towards Indirapuram.
• Vehicles arriving from Baghpat to Delhi will be redirected through Tronica City and Sonia Vihar.
• Commuters from Hapur and Bulandshahr heading to Ghaziabad will face diversions near the Dasna Bridge.

Night-Time Restrictions and Public Cooperation Urged

Recognizing the tendency of many Kanwariyas to walk through the night, the police have included nighttime vehicle movement restrictions along major pilgrim routes. The advisory emphasizes that night closures will be strictly enforced to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the devotees.

The police have appealed to the general public and especially to commercial vehicle operators to strictly adhere to the advisory. Citizens are also advised to plan their journeys in advance, avoid restricted zones, and use suggested alternative routes during the pilgrimage period.

About the Kanwar Yatra

The Kanwar Yatra is a revered tradition in Northern India, with devotees walking for days—often barefoot—carrying decorated water pots slung across their shoulders. These pots hold water from sacred rivers like the Ganga, which is later offered to Shiva temples in their hometowns. Given the sheer scale of the pilgrimage, authorities across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Haryana deploy extensive security and logistical arrangements.

Helplines and Updates

Ghaziabad Police have assured continuous monitoring of traffic conditions and will provide real-time updates through their official social media channels and helpline numbers. Emergency services will remain active and ready to respond to any incidents during the yatra period.

For the latest traffic alerts and updates, commuters are encouraged to follow the Ghaziabad Traffic Police’s official X (Twitter) handle or contact their helpline for assistance.