Traffic Ban on Delhi-Meerut Expressway from July 19 to 23 for Kanwar Yatra 2025
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh:
In view of the ongoing Kanwar Yatra and the upcoming Shivratri festival, Ghaziabad traffic police have imposed strict traffic restrictions on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME). Starting from midnight of July 19 until July 23, the expressway will remain closed to all non-Kanwar-related vehicles, ensuring a smooth and safe passage for the influx of Kanwariyas.
As per the official announcement, this temporary ban will be enforced from UP Gate in Ghaziabad to the Kashi Toll Plaza in Meerut. Only vehicles associated with the Kanwar Yatra—including Kanwar service vehicles, trucks carrying supplies, and bikes of pilgrims—will be permitted on this route during the restricted period.
This move comes as a proactive step by the traffic department to facilitate the smooth and uninterrupted movement of devotees, who walk hundreds of kilometers carrying holy Ganga water from Haridwar to offer at Lord Shiva temples across northern India.
Importantly, heavy vehicles were already barred from using the DME since July 11. These vehicles are now being diverted through NH-9 via Dasna and further redirected to Eastern Peripheral Expressway to reach Meerut and other destinations.
Officials said the decision was taken to prevent congestion and reduce the risk of accidents, especially as the volume of Kanwar pilgrims has significantly increased this year. With lakhs of devotees expected to pass through this corridor, the authorities have urged the public to cooperate and use alternate routes during this period.
The administration has also deployed additional personnel and set up medical aid booths and control rooms along the route to provide round-the-clock assistance to Kanwariyas.
