A weekend influx of devotees to Kainchi Dham, associated with Neem Karoli Baba, caused gridlock on the Haldwani–Kainchi Dham route and roads towards Nainital and Almora. Journeys usually taking two to three hours stretched to 10–12 hours. Traffic backed up around Bhimtal, Bhowali and Garam Pani; one traveller said his 72-year-old mother and an 80-year-old relative took over 11 hours to travel from Haldwani to Garam Pani. Ambulances, schoolchildren, elderly passengers and essential-supply vehicles were also delayed.

On Sunday, authorities barred outer two-wheelers from the Kainchi route, diverted some hill-bound traffic via Kathgodam–Bhimtal and introduced one-way movement on the Jyolikot highway. Shuttle services from Bhimtal Vikas Bhavan and Bhowali Sanatorium parking areas were increased. Daily footfall, previously estimated at 4,000–5,000, exceeded 6,000 on some days; weekend crowds were estimated at 15,000–20,000 or more.

Locals and ashram authorities linked the rush to Hanuman Ansh, a film on Neem Karoli Baba directed by Vishal Chaturvedi. Made on a reported ₹2 crore budget, it reached India net collections of about ₹321.73 crore by Day 58, India gross of ₹379 crore and worldwide gross of ₹419 crore. Ashram entry and exit arrangements were tightened, barricading increased and volunteers deployed.

Devotional film ‘Hanuman Ansh’, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi and released August 7, 2026, has boosted visits to Baba Neem Karoli’s Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district. The film grossed nearly ₹400 crore worldwide on a ₹2 crore budget. Daily footfall has risen from 4,000–5,000 to more than 6,000, reaching 15,000–20,000 on weekends; around 50 lakh devotees visited in the nine months through September 2026. Visitors also travel to Nainital and Bhimtal, supporting hotels, restaurants, taxis, boat operators and shops. Nainital SSP Manjunath TC said traffic, parking and crowd management need greater attention, with vehicle pressure increasing on the Nainital–Kainchi Dham route.

The state is preparing a helicopter service between Haldwani and Kainchi Dham. Heritage Aviation has requested land for a helipad; the proposed trip would take about three minutes and cost around ₹1,000, subject to government and company discussions. Proposed ropeway extensions include Kathgodam–Nainital and Ranibagh–Hanumangarhi–Kainchi Dham.

Over 19 accident-prone black spots identified in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, reporting hundreds of accidents yearly. High-risk zones include Bhawali, Kaladhungi, Haldwani-Nainital Road, Ramgarh, Bhimtal, Jyolikot, and Kathgodam-Garampani stretch. Most dangerous routes: Haldwani-Kathgodam Road, Nainital-Kaladhungi Road, Nainital-Ramnagar Road. Common issues: sharp curves, narrow and damaged roads, lack of road signs, poor lighting, speeding, overtaking-related collisions. Ministry of Road Transport 2024 report: Nainital recorded 512 road accidents, 198 deaths, hundreds injured; approximately 60% occurred at identified black spots. District administration implementing improvements: road repairs, road signs and reflectors, safety walls, speed breakers, CCTV cameras. Joint teams from Public Works Department, Traffic Police, and Transport Department engaged. Customised strategies based on geographical conditions. Public awareness campaigns for road safety. Experts emphasise physical improvements must be complemented by strict enforcement of traffic rules.