India: Security, traffic measures affecting northern states for annual Hindu pilgrimage through Aug. 6

Hindus from Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are participating in the annual Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage to the Ganga River in Uttarakhand State through Aug. 6. Over 30 million devotees are expected to join related processions.

Significant transport disruptions are certain along pilgrimage routes, 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 parts of National Highway 58, Delhi-Meerut Expressway, National Highway 9, National Highway 34, Gangnahar Patri Kanwar Road, Pipeline Road, and Eastern Peripheral Expressway (NE-2) to facilitate the movement of pilgrims. In New Delhi, traffic congestion is likely along Boulevard, Mathura, Nangloi-Najafgarh, Outer Ring, Pankha, Rani Jhansi, and Rohtak roads, as well as Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Gokul Puri Flyover, Maujpur Chowk. Increased congestion is likely along open roads due to roadside water, food, and medical camps.

Authorities will likely increase security measures along pilgrimage routes due to the threat of militant attacks from domestic and Pakistan-based Islamist groups, though officials have not issued specific warnings as of July 23. Over 5,500 security force personnel will deploy to monitor the pilgrimage; security cordons and vehicle checks will be implemented 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.