Headed Out in Delhi-NCR Today? Expect Traffic As Kanwar Yatra Peaks for Sawan Shivratri; Check Routes to Avoid and Alternatives

New Delhi: Commuters across the Delhi-NCR region are facing severe traffic delays today, August 11, as the annual Kanwar Yatra reaches its peak on the auspicious occasion of Sawan Shivratri.

Massive processions of Kanwariyas carrying holy Ganga water for jalabhishek (ritual offering), coupled with seasonal rainfall and widespread road diversions, have led to heavy gridlocks across key arterial corridors connecting Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.

Traffic authorities have deployed over 15,000 security personnel across the National Capital Region to manage law and order, secure pilgrim routes, and streamline vehicle movement around major roadside Kanwar camps and Shiva temples.

Major Bottlenecks and Route Closures

To accommodate the surge of pilgrims, traffic police have implemented complete closures and strict diversions on several busy routes:

1. GT Road (Apsara Border to Yamuna Bridge): Completely closed to general vehicular traffic on August 11 and 12. Commuters travelling between Delhi and Ghaziabad are instructed to take National Highway 9 (NH-9) or NH-44.

2. Kalindi Kunj & Okhla Barrage Corridor: Experiencing heavy congestion connecting South Delhi and Noida. Intermittent diversions and ongoing road repairs near Okhla Barrage have significantly slowed vehicular speeds.

3. DND Flyway: High traffic volumes are reported as commuting office-goers merge with traffic diverted from restricted border points.

4. Delhi-Meerut Expressway & Ghazipur Border: Slower movement reported due to pilgrim lanes and waterlogging on surrounding stretches.

5. Mathura Road & Badarpur Border: Slow-moving traffic affecting commuters travelling between South/Central Delhi and Faridabad.

Traffic Advisory and Alternative Options

Heavy commercial vehicles have been banned from entering designated Kanwar routes through August 11 to prioritise pedestrian safety and pilgrim movement.

Traffic authorities strongly advise commuters to:

1. Use the Delhi Metro: Rail and metro networks remain the most reliable mode of transport today, especially for interstate transit between Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram.

2. Buffer Extra Travel Time: Keep an additional 30 to 45 minutes in hand when heading to airports, railway stations, or offices.

3. Utilise Alternate Corridors: Avoid border checkposts like Kalindi Kunj and Apsara Border; opt for NH-9, DND Flyway (with caution), or interior arterial roads where permissible.

With pilgrim activity expected to continue through late evening and into the early morning hours, commuters are urged to check real-time traffic updates from Delhi Traffic Police before stepping out. 

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