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New Delhi. With the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, the DME (Delhi-Meerut Expressway) will be completely suspended for public use between July 19 and July 23 (Shivratri). As per the guidelines released by the Ghaziabad authorities, these restrictions will apply to a total distance of 56 kilometers stretching from Kashi Toll Plaza in Meerut to UP Gate in Ghaziabad. Heavy vehicles will be barred from using this route starting from July 11, while cars and other light vehicles will face restrictions beginning July 19. The shutting down of this expressway who connects Delhi with Meerut, Noida and the further regions will greatly inconvenience the public. Even though NH-9, which runs parallel to the expressway, will be open for use by the general public, there are chances of the traffic congestion on it.
This step has been taken to ensure orderly and safe Kanwar Yatra for the pilgrims. Only kanwariyas will be allowed to walk on the expressway, and all other passengers will need to use alternative routes. Traffic Police ACP Ziauddin Ahmed has stated that for the provided convenience, alternative routes have been arranged.
These will be the alternate routes
Light vehicles coming from Meerut to Ghaziabad will now use NH-9 through Hapur. Likewise, heavy vehicles coming from Ghazipur will be redirected to Meerut through Dasna and Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). In past years, common passengers often faced significant difficulties dealing with these closures and road diversion during Kanwar Yatra. In the year 2023, many vehicles were stuck on NH-9 due to a diversion for several hours. Many vehicles were directed to DND Flyway, Noida Expressway, and EPE which led to traffic congestion for hours on end.
The police have devised an elaborate traffic management plan for Ghaziabad to ensure smooth traffic flow during the yatra. Traffic bound for Delhi from Baghpat will be routed through Tronica City and Sonia Vihar. The entry of heavy vehicles will be restricted at the Loni border itself. Simultaneously, vehicles coming to Ghaziabad from Hapur and Bulandshahr will be turned back at Dasna Bridge.
Every year, during the Kanwar Yatra, a large number of devotees travel from Haridwar to offer Ganga water in various Shiva temples
The pilgrims, referred to as Kanwariyas, move along three primary routes that intersect with Ghaziabad district. For those on foot, the pipeline road from Loni border to Niwari is the main access, and the express postal Kanwariyas use the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. In addition, NH-34 or GT road is also quite famous.
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