Kanwar Yatra, the sacred pilgrim-tour in name of Lord Shiva, brings crores of yatri to Haridwar to obtain Ganga water in Shravan month. Yatra in 2025 is from July 11 till July 23, significantly impacting travel from Delhi to Haridwar (via Meerut) During Kanwar Yatra. The below travel advisory is a comprehensive travel advisory, encompassing routes, traffic diversions, and driving directions National Highway 24 (NH24) and other highways until July 23, 2025, to facilitate commuters and pilgrims alike so that they are able to have an easy commute.
Planning a trip from Delhi to Haridwar (or beyond) this Kanwar Yatra? The stretch via Meerut on NH24 is known for its unique challenges. But don’t let traffic snarls derail your plans! This advisory brings you the latest on route diversions, heavy vehicle restrictions, and one-way rules to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible till July 23rd.”
Overview of Kanwar Yatra 2025
Kanwar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in which Kanwariyas walk barefoot on foot from Haridwar, Gaumukh, and other Ganga pilgrims to Shiva temples to collect holy water. Delhi-Haridwar highway (via Meerut) is one of the most jammed highways during Kanwar Yatra; at least 15–20 lakh pilgrims would go through Delhi. Apart from such pilgrims, Kanwar camps create gigantic traffic jams primarily on NH24 and the DME (Delhi-Meerut Expressway).
Important Traffic Routes and Restrictions
Delhi to Haridwar (through Meerut) During Kanwar Yatra is a very sensitive trip that must be charted ahead of time due to road blockades and diversions. The following is the analysis of key routes and restrictions through 23rd July 2025:
National Highway 24 (NH24)
NH24, one of the most crowded highways connecting Delhi and Meerut, is jammed with Kanwariyas in large numbers. Uttar Pradesh Police diversion at Apsara and Maharajpur Borders proves effective at Delhi entry points. Pilgrims coming through Maharajpur or Ghazipur Borders cross NH24, Ring Road, and Mathura Road, and depart at Badarpur Border. NH24 has to be avoided by commuters during peak hours to get caught up in traffic.
Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME)
DME is a significant Delhi to Haridwar (via Meerut) highway too, which is strictly controlled. Heavy traffic is banned from July 11, and routed on NH9 and Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). Light traffic is banned from July 17, and two sides of the highway can be reserved for Kanwariyas in Meerut by July 19, and only service vehicles are allowed where it cannot be avoided.
National Highway 34 (NH34, former NH 58)
NH34, Delhi to Meerut via Haridwar is also one of the prominent Kanwar route ways. Heavy diversion of traffic on NH9 from July 11 and light traffic to single lane from July 17. NH34 is being reserved from July 19 for Kanwariyas on sections, primarily between Meerut and Haridwar.
Must Read: Explore 10 Most Popular Shiva Temples in North India
Alternate Routes for Commuters
To avoid disruptions while traveling from Delhi to Haridwar (via Meerut) During Kanwar Yatra, consider these alternative routes:
- Via NH9 and EPE: Vehicles from Delhi’s Tulsi Niketan, Seemapuri, or Anand Vihar Borders can take Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg to UP Gate, then NH9 via Dasna Interchange to Hapur, Kithor, and Mawana, reaching Haridwar through Bijnor.
- Through NH334: State road offers an alternative less congested road path from Delhi to Haridwar through Meerut bypass. Take off from UP Gate, pass through Dasna, and join NH334 through Landhaura-Laksar.
- Through Noida: Kalindi Kunj traffic can be diverted from Mathura Road to Modi Mill and then MB Road to Badarpur Border to avoid NH24 traffic.
Traffic Management and Safety Measures
Stringent safety precautions have been enforced by the authorities for regulating Delhi to Haridwar (through Meerut) During Kanwar Yatra, which include:
- Delhi: More than 600 traffic police staff, drones, and CCTV are patrolling major roads such as Wazirabad Road, GT Road, and NH24. Heavy traffic is diverted from the borders of Loni, Bhopura, and Apsara to EPE.
- Ghaziabad: Delhi-Meerut Road, Pipeline Road, and NH34 heavy traffic is prohibited from July 11. Light traffic prohibition from July 17 and DME shutdown on July 19.
- Meerut: NH34 and DME roads are reserved for Kanwariyas from July 14, and both directions are reserved by July 17. Bhainsali bus stand was shifted to Sohrabgate on July 14 to relieve the congestion.
Travelers’ Tips
- Plan Ahead: Track Delhi Traffic Police real-time traffic updates (@dtptraffic) or news for Delhi to Haridwar (via Meerut) during Kanwar Yatra. Proceed during off-peak hours (not morning and evening hours).
- Take Alternate Routes: Use NH9, EPE, or NH334 to bypass Kanwar routes.
- Adhere to Guidelines: Refrain from non-essential road journey on NH24, NH34, or DME and be considerate of the Kanwar camps.
- Safety First: Bring water, wear appropriate shoes, and follow traffic police instructions to avoid fines for disobedience, imposed by cameras.
Why This Route Matters
The Kanwar Yatra on Meerut road to Delhi is the lifeline of 60 million+ pilgrims, and more than 60 million will be traveling to North India in 2025. Devotee enthusiasm mixed with infrastructural requirements renders advance planning a certainty. Delhi had too much traffic congestion in 2024, and 2025 will witness much greater numbers, with improved facilities such as 150+ Kanwar camps at Ghaziabad and 800+ at Meerut.
Drive Wisely
Haridwar to Delhi road trip by Meerut during Kanwar Yatra 2025 includes diversion and traffic management on NH24, NH34, and DME. Use alternative routes like NH9 or NH334 and seek official advice for a hassle-free journey. Enjoy the devotional essence of the yatra, remain ready, and drive carefully till 23rd July 2025.
