Iran sees 40% surge in vehicle traffic to Tehran for leader's funeral

Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development reported a 40% increase in vehicles entering Tehran over two days as pilgrims and participants travel to the funeral of the late Supreme Leader. The ministry coordinated with the police, rail, and aviation sectors, deploying 7,500 road vehicles, allocating 70% of passenger‑train capacity, and arranging additional flights to handle the influx.

Police authorities in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad implemented traffic restrictions on major routes, establishing three concentric traffic rings around the ceremony path and closing specific streets such as Damavand, Enqelab, Azadi and Shahid Lashkari highways. Despite the heightened flow, all main entry points to Tehran remain open, and traffic on most corridors continues without complete blockage. Officials urged drivers to use public transport, avoid non‑essential trips, and rest before returning home after the ceremonies.

The coordinated effort involved ministries of transport, oil, industry, foreign affairs and local authorities, as well as private sector participation, to ensure safe and orderly movement of millions of mourners across the country.