Rishikesh: The Uttarakhand Police has finalized comprehensive traffic and security arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra 2026, which will be held from July 30 to August 11, to ensure the safe and smooth movement of lakhs of devotees visiting the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and other pilgrimage sites.
Officials conducted a coordination meeting involving police and administrative authorities from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti, and Laxman Jhula to streamline traffic management, parking facilities, and pilgrim safety during the annual religious event.
According to Dehradun Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Jai Baluni, the meeting focused on ensuring effective coordination between various districts and agencies responsible for managing the pilgrimage.
Authorities reviewed:
- Traffic movement plans.
- Parking arrangements.
- Deployment of police personnel.
- Coordination between neighbouring jurisdictions.
- Crowd management measures.
The objective is to minimize congestion while ensuring a safe and convenient journey for pilgrims travelling on foot and by vehicle. Police have designated the IDPL parking area in Muni Ki Reti as the primary parking location for pilgrims travelling towards Neelkanth.
According to the traffic plan:
- Large vehicles will park at the IDPL parking area.
- Pilgrims will continue their journey on foot via the barrage.
- Smaller vehicles will use the Natraj Bypass through Muni Ki Reti towards Garud Chatti.
The arrangement is intended to reduce congestion near the temple route while improving traffic flow. Authorities have also prepared designated return routes for pilgrims.
The primary return route will pass through:
- Laxman Jhula
- Barrage
- Chila
However, in case of:
- Rising water levels in the Bin River, or
- Restrictions on vehicular movement after 6:00 PM,
traffic will be diverted through:
- Shyampur
- Haridwar via the barrage
These contingency plans are designed to ensure uninterrupted movement during changing weather and traffic conditions.
The Uttarakhand Police has identified several:
- Parking zones.
- Traffic control points.
- Security deployment locations.
Personnel will be stationed across major routes to regulate traffic, assist pilgrims, and respond quickly to emergencies during the yatra. The arrangements are expected to help manage the large number of devotees visiting the region throughout the pilgrimage.
SP Jai Baluni appealed to devotees to cooperate with authorities and undertake the pilgrimage peacefully. She said Uttarakhand welcomes Kanwar pilgrims every year and that the administration is committed to ensuring a safe, smooth, and memorable experience for all visitors.
Pilgrims have also been urged to follow traffic regulations, avoid unnecessary congestion, and maintain harmony throughout the journey. Early planning helps reduce congestion, improve road safety, and ensure efficient movement of pilgrims throughout the yatra.
