With the number of Kanwariyas returning from Haridwar, Gomukh and Brajghat increasing every day, authorities have implemented major traffic diversions on the Delhi-Lucknow Highway to ensure the smooth movement and safety of Shiva devotees during the Kanwar Yatra.
The diversion came into effect at 8 am on Friday and will remain in force until 8 pm on August 13, affecting thousands of commuters travelling between Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Meerut and several districts in western Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi-Lucknow Highway Diverted Till August 13
Commuters travelling on Garhmukteshwar-Brajghat of the Delhi-Lucknow highway will not be allowed to use this road for the next few days. This highway connects busy routes between Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida and Meerut and Hapur with the districts across the Ganga, including Moradabad, Amroha and Bareilly.
The route diversion has been enforced as the influx of Kanwariyas carrying holy Ganga water from Haridwar, Gomukh and Brajghat continues to rise during the holy month of Shravan.
Alternative Routes For Vehicles
To facilitate the movement of Kanwariyas, police have diverted vehicles to the Ganga Expressway.
Vehicles coming from Meerut will be diverted to the Ganga Expressway from Bijauli, while those travelling from Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Hapur towards Amroha, Bareilly and Moradabad will be redirected through the Sikheda interchange in Simbhaoli. Vehicles arriving from Bulandshahr will be routed through the Sadarpur interchange in Bahadurgarh.
The diversion will remain in place through the Shivratri and Amavasya period when the number of pilgrims is expected to peak.
Over 60 Vehicles Pass Every Minute
According to officials, around 60 to 65 vehicles pass through the Delhi-Lucknow Highway every minute. Except for Kanwariyas and essential local traffic, most vehicles will now be diverted via the Ganga Expressway.
Traffic flow has to be reduced along the old Delhi – Lucknow expressway as well, according to officials. The journey time from Delhi to Gajraula via the old highway took 50-60 mins, but now with the Ganga Expressway, the time is saved and travelling to the same destination takes 30-40 min.
To prevent motorists from entering the restricted Kanwar route, barricades have been installed near overbridges and key junctions along the highway.
Local Businesses Likely to Take a Hit
The diversion is expected to affect businesses dependent on highway traffic around Garhmukteshwar and Brajghat. More than 110 hotels and dhabas, three CNG stations, over eight petrol pumps, and hundreds of roadside shops are located along the affected stretch.
Officials estimate that the Brajghat toll plaza could suffer a daily revenue loss of Rs 50-55 lakh due to reduced traffic, while toll collections on the Ganga Expressway are expected to rise significantly.
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Police Appeal To Commuters
Garhmukteshwar Circle Officer Rahul Yadav said route diversions have been enforced from 8 am on Friday until 8 pm on August 13 for the smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra.
He added that police personnel have been deployed at all major entry points and instructed to remain on high alert to ensure the safety of devotees and the smooth movement of traffic.