Delhi traffic advisory for Kanwar Yatra 2025: Key routes to avoid till this date

The annual Kanwar Yatr is back, for which traffic advisory has been issued in Delhi. With more than 20 lakh Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) are expected to pass through the capital in the coming days, for which the Delhi Traffic Police has issued an elaborate advisory warning commuters of major traffic snarls and diversions across the city.The advisory will remain active till July 23, when the yatra officially concludes.

Major routes to avoid

Traffic congestion is expected across at least 15 major roads in Delhi. Key stretches to steer clear of include:Najafgarh Phirni and Nangloi–Najafgarh RoadRohtak Road, Pankha Road, and Dev Prakash Shastri MargOuter Ring Road and Rani Jhansi Road (Baraf Khana Chowk to Fire Station)Boulevard Road, Azad Market Chowk, and Gokul Puri Flyover66 Foota Road, Maujpur Chowk, Badarpur T Point, and Mathura RoadNH-08 from Dhaula Kuan Metro Station to Rajokri BorderAdditionally, NH-24 is expected to see congestion due to diverted traffic from the Apsara Border and Maharajpur Border to Ghazipur, according to the Uttar Pradesh Police.Read more: 8 years after visa expiry, Russian woman discovered living in Karnataka cave

Vehicle restrictions and diversions

To manage the influx of Kanwariyas and ensure safety, heavy traffic restrictions are in place for commercial vehicles. Except for public transport and city buses, Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTVs) will not be allowed on several key routes:No HTVs on GT Road towards Shahdara and Wazirabad RoadHTVs from Shahdara will be diverted from internal roads like Sonia Vihar and Pusta Road toward Outer Ring Road via Wazirabad Road to NH-24Vehicles from NIB, Model Town, Chhijarsi, and Taj Highway may be redirected to the Eastern Peripheral ExpresswayVehicles from Loni, Tulsi Niketan, Seemapuri, and Anand Vihar will be barred from entering Ghaziabad

Key entry points for Kanwariyas

Delhi traffic authorities expect large groups of Kanwar Yatra pilgrims to enter the city through various border points, including:Apsara Border, Bhopura Border, Loni Border, and Maharajpur BorderKalindi Kunj Border, Ghazipur Border, and Chilla BorderOnce inside Delhi, the pilgrims will travel along multiple routes, such as:Seelampur ‘T’ Point to ISBT Flyover Boulevard Road (Northeast Delhi)Dhaula Kuan – NH-8 stretch (South Delhi)Kalindi Kunj – Mathura Road stretch (Southeast Delhi)Exit points are expected to be via the Rajokri Border and Badarpur Border into Haryana.

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Areas likely to experience severe traffic

A long list of areas is on alert for heavy congestion due to both Kanwar movement and diverted vehicular traffic. These include:Zakhira, Madipur, Peeragarhi, Nangloi, and Mukarba ChowkKeshopur Mandi, Janakpuri, and InderlokGeeta Colony Pushta Road, Salimgarh BypassRing Road, Outer Ring Road, and Ridge RoadSeelampur Metro Station, Welcome, and Shahdara

Safety and surveillance measures

As part of broader preparations, authorities across states have implemented enhanced monitoring and safety protocols. This includes:Drone surveillance to monitor large gatheringsZero tolerance for alcohol and meat consumption along yatra routesWith massive crowds, road closures, and traffic diversions expected throughout the capital, Delhi commuters are advised to plan routes carefully, avoid non-essential travel in affected zones, and follow real-time traffic updates from Delhi Traffic Police. While the spiritual fervour of the Kanwar Yatra reaches its peak, the city braces for one of its most logistically intense fortnights of the year.