UP Police on high alert ahead of Holi 2025; traffic diversions issued in key areas of Lucknow

The UP Police is on high alert to maintain law and order during the Holi festivities. State DGP Prashant Kumar has issued strict instructions to closely monitor miscreants and take strict action against hooliganism. To ensure vigilance, sixty PAC companies have been deployed across 25 sensitive districts, including Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi. Additionally, advanced monitoring measures such as drone surveillance and intensified patrolling by UP 112 will be in place.

This year, Holi coincides with the Friday Namaz of Ramzan (Jumu’ah), necessitating heightened security measures. Authorities are focusing on sensitive areas, including religious sites and marketplaces. Senior officials have been instructed to remain on the ground and conduct regular foot patrols on both March 13 and 14 to ensure public safety.

With Holika Dahan scheduled for today and Holi celebrations tomorrow, March 14, traffic diversions will be in effect to ensure smooth movement. The restrictions will be effective from 6 PM onwards on March 13 till March 14, until the conclusion of Holi festivities.

- Regular traffic from Qaiserbagh Intersection will not be allowed towards Nazirabad and will be diverted via Latouche Road or Qaiserbagh Bus Stand.

- Traffic from Chhatri Wala Chauraha will also not be permitted on the Nazirabad route and will instead be redirected through Aminabad Post Office or Shri Ram Road.

- Vehicles from Gwynne Road will be restricted from heading towards Nazirabad and will need to take the Aminabad Post Office or Qaiserbagh Bus Stand routes.

- Similarly, traffic from Khayaliganj Trisection will not be allowed towards Nazirabad Market Road and will be diverted via Qaiserbagh Bus Stand, Gwynne Road, or Aminabad Post Office.

- Movement from Shri Ram Road Trisection (Koneshwar Mandir Tiraha) towards Chowk Square will be restricted, with alternate routes available through Ghantaghar and Rumi Gate.

- Likewise, traffic from the Chowk Market area will not be permitted towards Koneshwar Mandir Tiraha and will be rerouted via Rumi Gate and Ghanta Ghar.