Delhi Traffic Advisory for Kanwar Yatra 2026: Route Diversions and Commuter Guidelines
The annual Kanwar Yatra is officially underway, drawing millions of devotees travelling on foot to collect holy water from the Ganges. The yatra, which runs from July 30 to August 11, 2026, sees a massive influx of pilgrims passing through Delhi en route to destinations across the capital, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
To manage the large number of pedestrians and ensure the safety of pilgrims and daily commuters, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued a travel advisory with wide-ranging traffic diversions and heavy vehicle restrictions that will remain in effect until August 12.
Major Routes Affected by the Yatra
Pedestrian Kanwariyas typically travel through several major arterial routes in Delhi. According to the advisory, commuters can expect significant congestion and slow-moving traffic on the following corridors where pilgrims and Kanwar camps will be highly concentrated:
Rohtak Road: Zakhira – Madipur – Peeragarhi Chowk – Nangloi Chowk – Mundka – Tikri Border.
Najafgarh Road: Zakhira – Uttam Nagar – Najafgarh Firni Road – Jharoda Border.
Outer Ring Road: Madhuban Chowk – Peeragarhi Chowk – Keshopur Mandi – District Centre, Janakpuri.
Dev Prakash Shastri Marg: Rattanpuri Chowk – Loha Mandi.
East Delhi Corridors: GT Road, Wazirabad Road, Vikas Marg, Pusta Road, Loni Road, and Asha Ram Tyagi Marg (Road No. 66).
Strict Curbs on Heavy Vehicles
The primary focus of the traffic management plan is the diversion of Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTVs). Between July 29/30 and August 12, HTVs (excluding city buses) will face severe restrictions or complete bans on several crucial stretches:
GT Road: Between Apsara Border and Yamuna Bridge.
Wazirabad Road: From Bhopura Border to Signature Bridge.
Border Restrictions: Entry of heavy vehicles from key Delhi-UP borders, including Maharajpur, Apsara, Seemapuri, DLF, Bhopura, Loni, and Sonia Vihar, will be heavily restricted.
Peak Traffic Alert: The GT Road stretch from Apsara Border to Yamuna Bridge will be completely closed to all general traffic from 7:00 AM on August 9 until 8:00 PM on August 12 to accommodate the peak rush of returning pilgrims ahead of Sawan Shivratri.
Alternate Routes and Commuter Guidelines
The Delhi Traffic Police has established 306 traffic regulation points across the city to manage the flow. To avoid being caught in long jams, commuters are advised to follow these guidelines:
Use Bypass Highways: Diverted heavy and light vehicles should utilise designated alternate corridors, specifically NH-9, NH-44, and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), as default bypass routes.
Delhi-Dehradun Highway Status: The movement of Kanwariyas will not be permitted on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. However, travellers heading towards Meerut or Haridwar are strongly advised to use the EPE or the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, as the traditional Delhi-Haridwar National Highway (NH-34) will face complete closure starting August 4.
Plan Extra Time: Commuters must allow for significant extra travel time, as diversions and single-lane restrictions will slow down overall traffic flow.
Follow Ground Directions: Avoid relying solely on GPS navigation in affected areas; instead, follow the real-time directions of the traffic personnel deployed on the ground and adhere to local signage.
The police are asking for public cooperation to ensure the pilgrimage is safe and peaceful. Please stay updated through the Delhi Traffic Police's official social media platforms.
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