India: Security, traffic measures to affect northern states for annual Hindu pilgrimage July 4-15

Event

Hindu pilgrims will begin the annual Kanwar Yatra to the Ganga river in Uttarakhand State July 4. Authorities expect over 30 million pilgrims - mostly from Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh - to travel to and from Uttarakhand State through July 15.

Significant transport disruptions are certain along the pilgrimage route, with possible lingering commercial disruptions due to a backlog of deliveries once the pilgrimage ends. Authorities have announced traffic diversions, heavy vehicle movement restrictions, and partial or full closure of major roads in northern India, including National Highway 34 (Ghaziabad-Meerut-Rishikesh-Gangotri section) and National Highway 48 (Delhi-Gurugram Expressway), to facilitate the movement of pilgrims through July 15. Increased congestion is likely along open roads due to roadside water, food, and medical camps. District officials in Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh have ordered unauthorized shops along pilgrimage routes selling alcohol and meat to close.

Security forces are on high alert due to the persistent threat of militant attacks from domestic and Pakistan-based Islamist groups, though there is no specific threat to the procession. Over 10,000 security force personnel will deploy to monitor the pilgrimage; Authorities will implement security cordons and vehicle checks around important gathering points such as Haridwar. Clashes between religious communities may occur along the routes; skirmishes are also possible between participants due to overcrowding. Security arrangements for the pilgrimage are unlikely to affect multinational business interests, but some temporary transport disruptions may occur, mainly along pilgrimage routes or if militants stage any significant attacks. Increased opportunistic crime, such as theft, is also possible.

Context

The Kanwar Yatra, undertaken July-August annually, is one of the largest religious processions in India. Millions of pilgrims usually walk from their homes to holy sites along the Ganga river to fetch Ganga water for Lord Shiva temples in their respective states. The event typically prompts heightened security measures, with four terror plots by Islamist groups foiled during the 2018 procession.

Advice

Consider avoiding pilgrimage gathering points due to possible attacks. Plan for transport delays due to security checks on major pilgrimage routes; carry identification and travel documents. Confirm all transport and hotel reservations if traveling to the area. Reroute time-sensitive deliveries along affected roadways. Heed all security and traffic advisories.

Resources

Delhi Traffic Police
Noida Traffic Police Twitter
Uttarakhand Police