New Delhi: As the annual Kanwar Yatra gathers pace, Delhi and its surrounding regions are witnessing widespread security measures and traffic diversions to manage the influx of pilgrims. Nearly 5,000 police and traffic personnel have been stationed across the Capital and its borders with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to ensure the safe passage of kanwariyas, the devotees of Lord Shiva, as they make their way through the city from Uttarakhand.
Since the pilgrimage began on July 11, thousands of devotees have been entering Delhi via 13 designated routes. Dedicated lanes have been created along major roads such as Grand Trunk Road, Kalindi Kunj Road, Loni–Gokalpuri Road and Agra Canal Road. These routes have been secured using iron barricades, jersey barriers, nylon ropes and a visible police presence. Similar arrangements are expected to be completed on the remaining routes by July 21, ahead of the Yatra’s peak over the coming weekend.
Traffic bottlenecks at Kalindi Kunj; restrictions imposed
On Tuesday, the Kalindi Kunj bridge, a vital link between Delhi and Noida, became severely congested after two of its four lanes were closed to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The restricted stretch, from Okhla Barrage to Okhla Bird Sanctuary, will remain closed until July 23 as part of a broader advisory issued by Delhi Traffic Police.
These temporary restrictions are intended to provide safe walking space for pilgrims while attempting to maintain a steady flow of vehicular traffic. The Noida and Badarpur-bound carriageways have been partially closed, and motorists have been urged to avoid Kalindi Kunj and Agra Canal Road during peak travel hours.
Traffic officials have recommended alternate routes via the DND Flyway and Ashram to ease congestion and minimise delays.
Restrictions on multiple other routes in Delhi in wake of Kanwar Yatra
Over the next few days, traffic delays are expected to intensify along several major roads, including the Delhi–Meerut Expressway, NH-9, Mathura Road, Outer Ring Road, Aurobindo Marg and Mehrauli–Gurugram Road. Heavy congestion is anticipated between 20 and 23 July on thoroughfares such as GT Road, Wazirabad Road, Sarai Kale Khan, Ashram Chowk, Chirag Delhi and the IIT flyovers. Commuters travelling on NH-48 near Dhaula Kuan and Mahipalpur are also likely to face delays.
In west and north Delhi, bottlenecks are expected along Nangloi–Najafgarh Road, Rohtak Road, Rani Jhansi Road and Azad Market. East Delhi may see traffic snarls around the Gokalpuri flyover, Maujpur Chowk, Anand Vihar, Ghazipur and other parts of GT Road.
Increased vigilance at pilgrim camps across the region
Given previous incidents involving clashes during the Yatra, authorities have intensified security at the 374 Kanwar camps across Delhi. Police personnel have been placed on high alert, instructed to respond swiftly to any disturbances, and have urged the public to avoid touching unattended or suspicious items.
Drones are now being used for aerial monitoring of pilgrim routes and camps. Police teams, in coordination with camp organisers, are maintaining a daily count of the number of kanwariyas entering the city.