Delhi-Meerut Expressway closed for 5 days—Why do buses & trucks face a 12-day ban starting July 11?

Delhi-Meerut Expressway: The Delhi-Meerut Expressway will be closed for five days from July 19 to July 23, 2025, to facilitate the annual Kanwar Yatra. It is a major pilgrimage event. During this period, the 56-kilometer stretch between the Kashi Toll Plaza in Meerut and the UP Gate in Ghaziabad will be exclusively used by Kanwar pilgrims. And, all other traffic will be barred.


Heavy vehicles including buses and trucks will face a ban starting July 11, lasting for 12 days until July 23. This has been initiated to ensure smooth and safe passage for the Kanwar Yatra devotees.

This ban covers the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and adjoining routes. From July 19, restrictions will extend to light vehicles as well, effectively closing the expressway for general traffic for five days.

Authorities have planned extensive traffic diversions to manage the impact of the expressway closure. Heavy vehicles will be rerouted via NH-9 and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

Whereas, light vehicles from Meerut will use the Hapur route to NH-9 to reach Ghaziabad and vice versa. The adjacent NH-9 will remain open for regular traffic, but congestion is expected due to the diverted vehicles.


To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, authorities have deployed around 600 traffic police personnel and installed approximately 1500 CCTV cameras along the Kanwar routes, including the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Multiple control rooms and public address systems will monitor and guide traffic and devotees throughout the yatra period.

This closure and ban are part of the government's efforts to ensure a smooth, safe, and well-managed Kanwar Yatra in 2025 on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and surrounding routes.



1. Why is the Delhi-Meerut Expressway closed from July 19 to 23?

Answer: The expressway is closed to facilitate the annual Kanwar Yatra, allowing exclusive use by pilgrims for their safe and uninterrupted journey.

2. When does the heavy vehicle ban on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway start and end?

Answer: Heavy vehicles like buses and trucks are banned from July 11 to July 23 to reduce traffic and ensure safety during the Kanwar Yatra.

3. Are light vehicles also restricted on the Delhi-Meerut expressway?

Answer: Yes, light vehicles will face restrictions starting July 19, coinciding with the full closure of the expressway for regular traffic.

4. What alternative routes should drivers use during the expressway closure?

Answer: Heavy vehicles will be diverted via NH-9 and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, while light vehicles from Meerut will use the Hapur route to NH-9 to reach Ghaziabad.

5. Will the closure affect traffic in Delhi and nearby areas?

Answer: Yes, spillover congestion is expected in Delhi and Ghaziabad due to diverted traffic, and authorities have prepared alternative routes and traffic management plans to mitigate this.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth.Click here.