The Delhi Traffic Police on Friday released a comprehensive traffic advisory cautioning commuters about expected disruptions and diversions across multiple roads in the national capital for the next two weeks as the annual Kanwar Yatra commenced today.

The religious procession, which witnesses large numbers of devotees carry sacred Ganga water to Shiva temples, is anticipated to draw an estimated 1.5 to 2 million participants in Delhi alone. The yatra, which concludes on July 23 (Chaturdashi Tithi), is likely to affect regular vehicular movement due to the heavy influx of pilgrims and the temporary establishment of Kanwar camps across the city.

The Delhi Traffic Police has issued the advisory in view of the movement of 'Kanwariyas' from adjoining states to Gangotri Dham and Haridwar via Delhi and back. It has urged commuters to follow the advisory, which has been made to minimise inconvenience for both devotees and commuters.

Key Routes To Be Affected

Traffic is likely to be affected on key stretches including, Najafgarh Firni, Rohtak Road, Pankha Road, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Nangloi–Najafgarh Road, Outer Ring Road, and various segments of Rani Jhansi Road, among others.

Traffic congestion is also expected on routes such as Boulevard Road, Azad Market Chowk, Gokulpuri Flyover, Maujpur Chowk, and Mathura Road, according to the advisory.

National highways leading into Delhi are also expected to be affected. NH-8 between Dhaula Kuan Metro Station and Rajokri Border is likely to experience increased traffic pressure. On NH-24, diversions at Apsara and Maharajpur Borders, initiated by Uttar Pradesh Police, may affect entry points into Delhi.

Additional congested corridors include roads branching from Loni and Sonia Vihar Borders, crossing Pusta Road, Khajoori Flyover and Wazirabad Road.

Routes Dedicated For Kanwariyas

Several dedicated routes have been designated for the kanwariyas. One major route originates at Apsara Border and spans areas like Shahdara Flyover, Seelampur T Point, ISBT Flyover, Rani Jhansi Road, Faiz Road, Upper Ridge Road, and NH-8, before exiting through the Rajokri Border into Haryana.

Another begins at Bhopura Border, extending through Wazirabad Road, Loni Flyover, Gokulpuri T Point, and Seelampur T Point, connecting with NH-1 and the ISBT bridge.

An alternative route from the same border goes through Wazirabad Bridge, Outer Ring Road, and Mukarba Chowk, ultimately leading to exits via the Singhu or Mukarba Chowk. Kanwariyas can also travel further via Auchandi Border, Madhuban Chowk, Bawana Road and Peeragarhi to exit from Tikri Border.

Devotees entering from Maharajpur Border and Ghazipur area are expected to use NH-24, Ring Road, Mathura Road and then exit the city from Badarpur Border.

A separate group of devotees can also come from Kalindi Kunj, take Modi Mill, and move along Maa Anandmai Marg and MB Road to reach Badarpur Border. Traffic Other pilgrimage footpaths include segments like New Rohtak Road (Kamal T Point to Tikri Border) and Najafgarh Road (Zakhira to Najafgarh).

The traffic will also be hit on roads such as Rohtak Road, particularly between Zakhira to Peeragarhi Chowk, Nangloi Chowk, Mundka and up to Tikri Border. Also, traffic from Madhuban Chowk to Peeragarhi Chowk, Keshopur Mandi and District Centre Janakpuri on Outer Ring Road will witness congestion.

Diversions During Kanwar Yatra Rush

Further, the advisory notes restrictions for heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) as the Uttar Pradesh Police will redirect HTVs from Mohan Nagar towards NH-24, prohibiting their entry via Wazirabad Road or GT Road.

No other heavy vehicle except for buses will be allowed on GT Road going towards Wazirabad Road and Shahdara. The vehicles coming from Outer Ring Road and GT Karnal Road that are headed towards East Delhi, North East Delhi or Shahdara will be diverted to NH-09. Movement on Wazirabad Road, GT Road or Vikas Marg is prohibited.

Heavy vehicles entering Delhi from Loni Road (Shahdara side) will also be diverted on Wazirabad Road to exit from Outer Ring Road. Those taking the internal route crossing Sonia Vihar, PTS Wazirabad Pusta and Pusta Road will be diverted to Outer Ring Road and then NH-24.

The traffic arrangements have been made to segregate kanwar traffic from general movement. Personnel have been deployed at strategic junctions to manage both pedestrian and vehicular flow.

Commuters have been advised to avoid high-traffic zones, particularly during peak hours, and to follow directions issued by traffic officials.

According to the traffic department, violations during the Kanwar Yatra will be documented through visual means, and legal action will be taken against defaulters.