Uttar Pradesh Implements Comprehensive Traffic Diversion Plan Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh administration has rolled out a comprehensive traffic diversion and security plan ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra, scheduled from July 30 to August 11, 2026. The measures aim to ensure the smooth movement of Kanwar pilgrims while minimizing inconvenience to commuters.
Muzaffarnagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar Verma announced that heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter the district from the night of July 29-30 until August 12.
On National Highway-58 (NH-58), the left carriageway from the Haridwar side will remain exclusively reserved for Kanwariyas from July 30 to August 4, while the right carriageway will accommodate light vehicles travelling in both directions.
From August 4 to August 12, both carriageways of NH-58 will be dedicated exclusively to Kanwar pilgrims, resulting in complete traffic restrictions for regular vehicles.
Joint Commissioner of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra said the Police Commissionerate has been divided into 20 zones and 60 sectors to strengthen security. Two-kilometre patrol beats have been established, while liaison officers will coordinate with Kanwar groups throughout the pilgrimage.
Authorities have also installed nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras at strategic locations and established 28 temporary police posts along the Kanwar routes. Strict monitoring of liquor and meat shops situated on pilgrimage routes will also be maintained.
Senior police officials, including ACPs, ADCPs and DCPs, are conducting regular inspections to ensure all security arrangements remain effective.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state has completed all preparations to welcome devotees. Reviewing arrangements in Haridwar, he said cleanliness, accommodation, transportation, water police deployment and security measures have been strengthened to ensure a safe pilgrimage.
Dhami urged devotees to follow official guidelines and said the Kanwar Yatra reflects Uttarakhand's administrative efficiency and commitment to public service.
The Kanwar Yatra is one of India's largest annual Hindu pilgrimages, during which devotees collect holy Ganga water and offer it at Lord Shiva temples during the sacred month of Shravan.
