Movement of pilgrims restricted on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor during Kanwar Yatra.

Dehradun: Devotees will not be permitted to use the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor (Expressway) during this year’s Kanwar Yatra. During an inter-state coordination meeting regarding preparations for the pilgrimage, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan directed officials from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to ensure the effective and timely implementation of this measure. The administration’s objective is to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure the safety of devotees during the Yatra.

Key issues such as anticipated crowds, traffic management, security arrangements, route diversions, and inter-state coordination were discussed during the meeting. Officials from Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh deliberated on formulating a detailed plan to address potential challenges associated with the pilgrimage.

According to officials, the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor is a major national highway project designed for high-speed traffic. During the Kanwar Yatra, a large number of devotees travel on foot and by other means towards Haridwar and surrounding areas. Consequently, this decision was taken due to concerns regarding potential accidents and traffic disruptions caused by the movement of devotees on the expressway.

The Chief Secretary instructed officials from the respective states to ensure that information regarding the restriction reaches devotees and general commuters well in advance to prevent any inconvenience. He directed that details concerning alternative routes and traffic arrangements be shared beforehand so that devotees utilize only the designated paths.

The Kanwar Yatra is one of the major religious pilgrimages in North India. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Shiva devotees collect water from the Ganges at Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other religious sites before returning to their respective regions. The pilgrimage leads to increased traffic pressure not only in Uttarakhand but also in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and other states.

The administration emphasized that effective coordination among all relevant departments is essential to ensure a safe and organized Kanwar Yatra. Instructions have been issued for the police, transport department, local administration, and other agencies to work in close coordination. Particular emphasis has been placed on strengthening crowd control, parking arrangements, medical aid, and emergency services.

The meeting also addressed the need to complete necessary arrangements for the convenience of pilgrims along the pilgrimage routes well in advance. These include provisions for drinking water, healthcare facilities, lighting, rest areas, and security measures. Officials were instructed to review all preparations before the commencement of the pilgrimage.

Officials from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh were directed to establish an effective monitoring system to prevent pilgrim movement on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. Instructions were issued to deploy adequate police forces at entry points and to provide information regarding alternative routes.

The administration believes that timely planning and inter-state coordination can significantly mitigate the difficulties often encountered during the Kanwar Yatra. Drawing on past experiences, special attention is being paid to traffic management and security arrangements this time.

Experts note that traffic and security management pose significant challenges during large religious events, making inter-state coordination and a clear strategy essential. Restricting the movement of pilgrims on foot along high-speed routes like expressways is considered a crucial step toward reducing the risk of accidents.

The administration is continuously reviewing preparations to ensure the convenience and safety of pilgrims during the Kanwar Yatra. Officials state that arrangements will be made to ensure pilgrims face no inconvenience while also preventing disruption to general traffic flow.

The primary responsibility now facing the administrations of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand is to ensure the effective implementation of this decision and to provide accurate, timely information to the pilgrims. The administration expects that improved coordination and timely preparations will enable the Kanwar Yatra to conclude peacefully and safely.