UP administration implements comprehensive route diversion plan ahead of Kanwar Yatra

The Uttar Pradesh administration has implemented a comprehensive traffic diversion plan and stepped up security arrangements ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra, which begins on July 30, 2026, and concludes on August 11, 2026. The annual Hindu pilgrimage takes place during the sacred month of Shravan (Sawan). To ensure the safe movement of pilgrims and minimise disruption to traffic, police officials on Wednesday announced a series of traffic diversions and enhanced security measures.

Muzaffarnagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar Verma said the entry of heavy vehicles into the district will be prohibited from the night of July 29-30 until August 12.

On National Highway-58, the left carriageway from the Haridwar side will be reserved exclusively for Kanwariyas from July 29-30 to August 4, while the right carriageway will remain open for light vehicles travelling from both Meerut and Haridwar.

From August 4 to August 12, traffic on NH-58 will be completely restricted, with both carriageways reserved exclusively for Kanwar pilgrims, he added.

Joint Commissioner of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra said elaborate security and traffic management measures have been put in place across key pilgrimage routes.

Speaking to ANI, Mishra said the Police Commissionerate has been divided into 20 zones and 60 sectors, with two-kilometre patrol beats established to enhance surveillance. Liaison officers have also been appointed for each zone and sector to coordinate with Kanwar groups.

He said 28 temporary police posts have been set up along the routes and staffed with adequate personnel. Around 3,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at critical locations to monitor movement, while authorities are maintaining strict vigilance over liquor and meat shops situated along the pilgrimage routes.

Mishra added that senior police officers, including Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police (ADCPs), Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and other officials, have been conducting regular inspections to ensure preparedness.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said all arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra have been completed and the state is ready to welcome devotees to “Devbhoomi.”

Speaking to reporters, Dhami said he had personally reviewed preparations related to the collection of holy water, cleanliness, accommodation, transportation and security.

He said traffic diversions have been implemented at various locations, water police personnel have been deployed, and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the pilgrimage is safe and convenient. He also appealed to devotees to follow the prescribed guidelines during the yatra.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in Haridwar, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and successful conduct of the pilgrimage, stressing that the safety and convenience of devotees remain the state government’s top priority.

“Kanwar Yatra is not only a major religious event but also reflects Uttarakhand’s administrative efficiency, spirit of service and organisational capability,” Dhami said.

The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken during the Hindu month of Sawan, when devotees of Lord Shiva collect holy water from the Ganga and offer it at Shiva temples. The month is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition and is marked by fasting, prayers, bhajans and rituals such as Rudrabhishek.