Authorities also barred Kanwar pilgrims from the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Heavy police deployment and announcements of traffic restrictions marked the first day of the annual Kanwar Yatra in Delhi on Thursday. More than 1,500 police personnel have been deployed across the city, CCTV-based surveillance enhanced and inter-State coordination ensured for the smooth conduct of the 13-day pilgrimage, a senior officer said.Pilgrims are being directed to G.T. Road, Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Mukarba Chowk, Azadpur, Wazirabad Road, ISBT Kashmere Gate, NH-44 and border stretches connecting Delhi with Ghaziabad and Haryana, the officer said, adding that traffic movement on these routes will be regulated depending on the volume of pilgrims.Authorities have also barred Kanwar pilgrims from the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.Major restrictions will be imposed on G.T. Road during the peak yatra period — August 4 to 11 — during which the stretch from Apsara Border to Yamuna Bridge will remain closed for general traffic, with only emergency and essential services being allowed.From August 4, sections of the Delhi-Haridwar highway will be reserved for pilgrims, the officer added.Police deployment has been strengthened at border entry points, major intersections, pilgrims’ camps and stretches expected to witness heavy footfall. Motorcycle patrols, Quick Response Teams, ambulances and PCR vans have been positioned to respond swiftly to emergencies, the police said.Several arterial roads connecting Delhi to Ghaziabad, Faridabad and other cities in the National Capital Region are expected to experience intermittent congestion over the next two weeks.“This year, our focus is on balancing pilgrims’ safety with minimal disruption to daily life. We have ensured policing remains coordinated and the emergency response system is proactive,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East) Rahool Alwal. Published - July 31, 2026 01:23 am IST
