The surge in tourist arrivals amid soaring temperatures in the plains has led to severe traffic congestion in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, with more than 1.54 lakh vehicles entering the hill station in the past week alone, police said.
The Queens Hills area is witnessing traffic jams, with nearly 70,000 vehicles arriving over the past three days alone, prompting the area police to intensify traffic management procedures. According to the police department, nearly 6.31 lakh vehicles have entered Shimla since May 1.
Over the past week, 154,450 vehicles entered the city, of which nearly 70,000 arrived in the past three days alone, police said. With the large influx of vehicles entering the city daily, the pressure on the traffic infrastructure continues to increase.
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Abhishek, Additional Superintendent of Police, Shimla, said that in response to the ever-increasing traffic pressure, the police have formulated a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
He said 32 inspection vehicles, called traffic riders, have been deployed across the city to monitor various roads and take immediate action if any traffic-related issues arise. In addition, interceptor vehicles have been deployed to capture traffic violations via video and ensure strict adherence to traffic regulations.
The ASP also explained that the entire Shimla city has been divided into five distinct sectors, with the responsibility of each sector being entrusted to a gazetted officer. Moreover, volunteers are also being recruited to help maintain the traffic system.
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Vehicles heading towards Upper Shimla from Shoghi are being diverted to Mahli Road to reduce traffic pressure in the main city area. The police are constantly guiding tourists and locals regarding these alternative routes.
ASP Abhishek said that Shimla Police is also actively sharing information via social media regarding traffic warnings, road diversions and best routes to reach various destinations.
Anticipating a further increase in tourist inflow from June, officials said additional police forces would be provided after the ongoing panchayat elections end on May 31.
