In anticipation of the annual Sawan Mela and Mahashivratri on August 2, the traffic police have implemented a temporary restriction on vehicle movement on the Gorakhpur-Lucknow Highway.

The diversion, which began yesterday, will remain in effect until 8 AM on August 3. During this time, regular traffic will be restricted on the highway, but the southern lane will remain open for essential services, including ambulances and hearses. This measure is being taken to ensure the safety of the large number of devotees expected to participate in the festivities.

- Vehicles coming from Lucknow towards Basti and Gorakhpur will be stopped at Barabanki. From there, they will be diverted via Jarwal Road, Karnailganj, Gonda, Utraula, and Dumariyaganj to reach their destination.

- Vehicles traveling from Ayodhya towards Basti and Gorakhpur will be diverted through Katra, Lakarmandi, Nawabganj, Gonda, and Dumariyaganj.

- Vehicles heading from Gorakhpur to Lucknow will be diverted at Khalilabad, taking the Mehdawal Road through Bansi, Dumariyaganj, and Utraula.

- For vehicles coming from Basti towards Lucknow, the diversion will start at the Badeban Flyover. They will continue under the flyover and proceed via Manouri-Dumariyaganj.

- Vehicles coming from Ambedkar Nagar towards Basti will be diverted from Kalwari Chauraha. They will travel through Gaighat, Kudraha, and Lalganj, heading towards the district of Sant Kabir Nagar.