In anticipation of massive pilgrim turnouts during the holy month of Shravan, the Ayodhya police administration has implemented an extensive traffic diversion outline across major highway connectivity points. The heavy rush associated with the Kanwar Yatra, Shravan Mondays, Shravan Shivratri, Nag Panchami, Jhula Mela, and Shravan Purnima bath ritual significantly increases vehicular pressure across the district. To maintain smooth movement and avoid congestion, authorities have routed heavy commercial vehicles, trucks, DCMs, and tractors onto designated bypass routes, while urging commuters and devotees to check traffic updates before embarking on their journeys.
Detailed Schedule of Diversions for Shravan Festivities
According to administrative instructions, the traffic diversions will operate in phases aligning with key festive dates. For the second Monday of Shravan on August 10 and Shravan Shivratri on August 11, restrictions will be enforced from 8:00 AM on August 8 through 8:00 AM on August 12, or until crowds disperse.
The next phase corresponds to the commencement of the Mani Parvat Mela and Shravan Jhula Mela on August 15, alongside the third Shravan Monday and Nag Panchami on August 17. For these events, the diversion plan will remain active from 8:00 AM on August 14 until 11:00 PM on August 17.
For the fourth and final Shravan Monday on August 24, diversions will start at 8:00 AM on August 23 and run through 11:00 PM on August 24. Concluding the festive season, the Shravan Purnima bath and mela finale on August 28 will see traffic alterations enforced from 8:00 AM on August 27 until 11:00 PM on August 28, or until traffic normalizes.
Alternative Routes for Traffic from Sultanpur, Raebareli, and Eastern Districts
Heavy vehicles attempting to pass through Ayodhya will be redirected via alternative highway corridors. Freight traffic coming from Sultanpur will be diverted at Kudebhar toward the Purvanchal Expressway. Vehicles arriving from Raebareli toward Ayodhya will be routed through Haliyapur to join the Purvanchal Expressway to reach their destinations.
Vehicles traveling from Azamgarh and Ambedkar Nagar will be redirected at Gohanna Mode through Dostpur onto the Purvanchal Expressway. Freight carriers coming from Barabanki will be guided via Bhitiyari and Ramsanehighat to Haidergarh before connecting to the Purvanchal Expressway. Goods traffic from Basti will be diverted at Lolpur toward Nawabganj in Gonda, whereas traffic coming from Gonda will be routed through Lakarmandi and Lolpur toward Basti.
Rerouting for Heavy Transit from Gorakhpur, Basti, and Northern Districts
Freight movement originating from Gorakhpur toward Ayodhya will be redirected via the Link Expressway onto the Purvanchal Expressway. Additionally, heavy vehicles arriving from Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Basti can travel via Kalwari, Tanda, Akbarpur, and Dostpur to access the Purvanchal Expressway.
Certain commercial vehicles coming from Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Mehdawal, Dumariyaganj, Utraula, Balrampur, and Gonda will be turned back at Jarwal Road Tiraha toward Bahraich. These vehicles will proceed via Tikora Mode, Chahalari Ghat Road, Sidhauli, and the Sitapur-Lucknow highway. This same alternative passage has been established for Lucknow-bound heavy traffic originating from Balrampur, Bahraich, Gonda, and Shravasti.
Bypass Strategy for Transit from Kanpur, Agra Expressway, Sitapur, and Shahjahanpur
Goods vehicles arriving from Kanpur will be routed through Kanpur, Unnao, Maurawan, Mohanlalganj, Gosainganj, and Chandsarai to access the Purvanchal Expressway. Traffic arriving via the Agra Expressway heading to Lucknow will be redirected through Mohan, Junabganj, Mohanlalganj, and Gosainganj onto the Purvanchal Expressway.
For traffic approaching from Sitapur and Shahjahanpur, the designated route passes along IIM Road, Dubagga, Alambagh, Nahariya, Shaheed Path, and Ahimamau to merge onto the Purvanchal Expressway.
Exemptions for Essential Services and Security Measures
Traffic authorities emphasized that these diversions apply exclusively to heavy commercial goods carriers. Vehicles supplying essential commodities, including milk, medicine, and food products, are completely exempt from the restrictions.
SP Traffic A P Singh stated that the route diversion strategy was crafted to ensure maximum convenience and safety for visiting pilgrims. Comprehensive security measures have been put in place throughout the Shravan mela period. Travelers are advised to consult traffic advisories and follow the designated alternative routes to avoid travel delays.
