With the annual Kanwar Yatra due to begin from July 30, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed the state road transport corporation to deploy additional buses on key pilgrimage routes.

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will operate extra services on routes witnessing heavy pilgrim movement, particularly towards Haridwar and along major corridors linking Lucknow, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj. Service increases will be calibrated according to demand and district administrations will notify any diversions that require alternative routings for corporation buses.

Regional headquarters will host round-the-clock control rooms throughout the yatra to monitor bus operations, coordinate with local authorities and respond swiftly to disruptions. Operational activities will be recorded and regional managers have been instructed to maintain liaison with district administrations and police to implement traffic diversions and other arrangements. Information on route changes and operational instructions will be communicated to staff through telephone networks and messaging groups to minimise service disruption.

Transport minister Dayashankar Singh reviewed preparations and directed officials to prioritise passenger safety while ensuring public transport does not impede the movement of Kanwariyas. The corporation has been ordered to ensure basic amenities at bus stations along the yatra, including drinking water, clean toilets, seating, enquiry counters, public address systems and food stalls. All corporation buses will be required to operate within prescribed speed limits and drivers will undergo mandatory breath analyser tests as part of strengthened road safety oversight.

Managing director Prabhu Narayan Singh has asked regional managers to coordinate closely with local police and district officials and to use established communication channels to disseminate routing updates. UPSRTC will adjust services according to passenger flows and district notifications to maintain continuity of operations during the Sawan pilgrimage. The measures are intended to safeguard pilgrims and sustain reliable public transport along principal corridors throughout the yatra period.