Kanwar Mela traffic plan: Delhi-Dehradun Expressway barred for pilgrim vehicles

Haridwar district police have announced a comprehensive traffic diversion and restriction plan for the two-week Kanwar Mela, which begins Thursday. A key measure prohibits Kanwariya vehicles from using the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to ensure alternative routes for general commuters.

The plan significantly impacts the NH-58 stretch between Narsain, Roorkee, and Haridwar, a route heavily used by pilgrims. During the pilgrimage's peak days, NH-58 will be closed to regular traffic, dedicating all lanes exclusively to Kanwariyas, officials stated. The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, however, will remain open for general travel between Delhi and Dehradun, and accessible from the Biharigarh side to Haridwar.

State transport buses from Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana will be rerouted via the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to Rishikul Ground. Buses from western Uttar Pradesh, Bijnor, and Najibabad will take a detour through Ladpur to Neeldhara. Vehicles traveling from Dehradun and Rishikesh can use the Lahadpur route on the Haridwar-Najibabad-Kashipur highway, which offers additional space.

Private buses from Punjab and Delhi will also be diverted via the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, proceeding through Laksar to enter Haridwar via Bairagi Camp. Heavy commercial vehicles face strict restrictions, permitted entry into Haridwar district only between midnight and 4 am until August 4. From August 5 until the Mela concludes on August 11, their movement will be completely prohibited across the district. Designated parking areas have been set up outside the city for these vehicles.

For pilgrims heading to the Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines, police recommend routes via Meerut, Gadh Mukteshwar, and Kotdwar, or alternatively, using the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and proceeding towards the shrines.

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The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will not be opened for kanwariya vehicles. The restriction is aimed at ensuring that general commuters have an alternative route for travelling between Delhi and Dehradun and can also reach Haridwar from the Biharigarh side using the newly opened expressway.