Phased traffic plan implemented in Meerut due to mounting pressure from the Kanwar Yatra.
Meerut. As the Kanwar Yatra approaches its final phase during the holy month of Sawan, the number of Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) in Meerut is steadily rising. In view of the growing crowds, the police and administration have begun implementing a phased traffic management plan for the city. A special traffic plan, designed to ensure the safety of Kanwariyas and maintain orderly movement for the general public, is now being put into effect. Route diversions were implemented on Roorkee Road starting Tuesday night, while preparations are underway to introduce a one-way traffic system within the city from Wednesday.
According to police officials, special traffic arrangements are currently in place on the route from Sivaya Toll to Tank Crossing. One lane of this route has been exclusively reserved for the movement of Kanwariyas, while general vehicular traffic is being directed through the other lane. The objective of this arrangement is to maintain a safe distance between Kanwariyas and other vehicles, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents.
The administration states that traffic regulations will be further tightened as the number of Kanwariyas increases. Once the crowd of Kanwariyas swells on Wednesday, a one-way traffic system will be enforced from Tank Crossing into the city. Under this plan, vehicle movement on several key routes will be restricted to a single direction to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion.
Roorkee Road is a major thoroughfare in Meerut, used by a large number of Kanwariyas traveling towards their destinations with holy water (Ganga Jal) from Haridwar and other pilgrimage sites. Consequently, the volume of traffic on this route is significantly higher than on normal days. Keeping this in mind, the police have implemented the traffic plan on this route as a first step. Officials believe that early implementation of these measures will allow for better traffic control during the peak days of the pilgrimage.
The traffic police have also begun deploying additional personnel along the routes. Police officers are maintaining constant surveillance at major intersections, junctions, and sensitive locations. Additionally, barricades have been erected and directional signage installed to regulate traffic. Police personnel are assisting motorists by providing information on alternative routes to spare them unnecessary inconvenience.
The administration has appealed to the public to adhere to the issued traffic advisory and, if possible, use alternative routes to avoid congested areas. Specific instructions have been issued for heavy vehicles and long-distance transport to follow designated diversion routes; this will help alleviate traffic congestion during the Kanwar Yatra.
Officials state that safety is the top priority during the Kanwar Yatra; consequently, the police and administration are continuously monitoring the situation. Key routes are being surveilled using drones, CCTV cameras, and control rooms. Teams from the police, health department, and other relevant agencies are on high alert to handle any emergencies.
Arrangements for camps, drinking water, first aid, and rest areas have been made at various locations along the routes for the convenience of the Kanwariyas. Voluntary organizations and social groups are also collaborating with the administration to serve the pilgrims. The administration aims to ensure the Yatra concludes in a peaceful, safe, and orderly manner.
Traders and local residents are being informed about the changes in traffic arrangements. Vehicular movement may be restricted periodically in several markets and commercial zones; public cooperation is sought to prevent disorder or traffic jams.
Police officials have clarified that the traffic plan will be implemented based on prevailing conditions. If the number of Kanwariyas exceeds expectations, additional diversions and traffic restrictions may be enforced. The situation is under constant review, and immediate decisions will be taken as needed.
In view of the expected passage of lakhs of pilgrims through Meerut during the Kanwar Yatra, the administration has completed all necessary preparations. Officials state that this massive religious event can be made safe and successful only with the cooperation of the general public. With this objective in mind, a phased traffic plan has been implemented to ensure the Kanwariyas’ journey proceeds without interruption while minimizing the impact on city traffic.
