As thousands of tourists continue to flock to Himachal Pradesh during the summer vacation season, Shimla Police has introduced a comprehensive five-point traffic management plan.
Police aim to ease congestion in the hill town after nearly 15 lakh vehicles entered the district in just 45 days, per officials as relayed by the Hindustan Times.
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Tourist rush puts pressure
Police records show that about 15 lakh vehicles had entered Shimla from May 1 to June 15 while tourists went to popular tourist destinations in the state. The flow has caused congestion on highways and link roads to popular tourist destinations.
The strong tourist flow was reflected in the hotel occupancy which averaged between 60 and 70 per cent on weekdays and 80-90 per cent on weekends throughout the state.
Five-point strategy implemented
In a statement to PTI, Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh said the department has taken five measures to control the tourist rush. These measures involve the deployment of extra police officers, interceptor vehicles and bike-borne traffic teams, close monitoring by gazetted officers, promotion of alternative routes and the promotion of public transport.
Police have also mobilised an extra 210 officers, home guards and volunteers at strategic traffic intersections. There are now 32 bike-borne traffic personnel to respond promptly to congestion and emergencies.
Cranes, alternative routes and public transport
The officials found that one of the main reasons for traffic jams in Shimla was due to the breakdown of vehicles on Cart Road, the main arterial road of Shimla. To tackle this, three cranes have been deployed at key locations to facilitate the removal of stranded buses and trucks in a timely manner.
The tourists are being urged to take the Shoghi-Mehli bypass route towards Kufri, Narkanda, Theog and Kinnaur. The bypass is diverting almost 800 vehicles from the city each day, which is helping to ease congestion in the city, police told the Hindustan Times.
Focus on smooth tourist experience
Shimla has also been divided into five traffic sectors and each sector has a gazetted officer to monitor traffic movement. At the same time, police are directing visitors via social media campaigns and awareness videos on routes, parking facilities and traffic rules.
So far, the measures have prevented major traffic jams in the Shimla and its surrounding areas during the peak tourist season, said SP Singh to PTI.
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FAQs
Q1: How many vehicles entered Shimla in 45 days?
Ans: Around 15 lakh vehicles entered Shimla between May 1 and June 15, according to police.
Q2: What are the key elements of Shimla Police’s traffic plan?
Ans: The plan includes additional personnel deployment, alternative routes, interceptor vehicles, sector-wise monitoring and promotion of public transport.
