Ghaziabad Traffic Police Enforce Major Diversions Ahead of Mahashivratri
In anticipation of a significant surge in Kanwariya devotees for Mahashivratri on February 15, the Ghaziabad traffic police have announced comprehensive traffic diversions and restrictions. These measures will be in effect from noon on February 13 until 4 PM on February 16, primarily impacting the Hapur district and surrounding areas where large crowds are expected at Brajghat.
Vehicle Restrictions and Prohibitions
According to DCP (Traffic) Trigun Bisen, all heavy and light goods vehicles will be completely barred from entering Hapur district during this period. Specifically, the movement of heavy and medium commercial vehicles between Lal Kuan and the new bus stand is prohibited. Additionally, entry for light commercial vehicles between Chaudhary Mod and Hapur tiraha is banned, with diversions in place via Ambedkar Road and the old bus stand.
Key diversion routes include:
- Vehicles from Lal Kuan towards Meerut tiraha must turn right at Sajan Mod, proceed via Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Park chowraha, Vivekanand Nagar flyover, Hapur chungi, ALT chowraha, and Meerut Road.
- Commercial vehicles from Meerut tiraha to Lal Kuan will use Meerut Road through ALT chowraha to Hapur chungi, then Vivekanand Nagar flyover and Sajan Mod.
- All buses and heavy/medium commercial vehicles on the stretch from the old bus stand to Hapur tiraha are diverted to Ghukna Mod via Meerut Road.
Furthermore, all vehicle movement between Gaushala Fatak and Dudheshwarnath Mandir is completely prohibited to ensure safety and manage congestion.
Enhanced Security and Police Deployment
To handle the anticipated influx, a heavy police force has been deployed, with around 900 traffic personnel, including ACPs and inspectors, stationed across key locations. At the Dudheswarnath temple, where several lakh devotees are expected to offer prayers, DCP (City) Dhawal Jaiswal confirmed that over 600 officers from various police stations will be present. Security measures include the installation of more than 50 CCTV cameras and a dedicated monitoring room at the Dudheswarnath police chowki.
"Six ACPs are overseeing the bandobast, and a PAC battalion is deployed to manage the crowd effectively," Jaiswal stated, emphasizing the comprehensive approach to public safety.
Alternative Routes for Long-Distance Traffic
With Hapur being a crucial transit point for vehicles heading to Moradabad, Bareilly, and Lucknow, alternative routes have been designated. Traffic from Ghaziabad to these destinations via Hapur should use Lal Kuan through Dadri-Bulandshahr-Dibai-Naraura or the Dasna Interchange on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway via the Palwal ramp. Vehicles from the Kundli Palwal side on the EPE will be unable to exit at Dasna interchange Number 4A during this period.
These proactive measures aim to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth traffic flow during the festive season, balancing religious observances with public convenience.
