Tourists make beeline to Shimla for New Year, 10,000 vehicles entering Shoghi barrier daily
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The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: The town of Shimla is not only the Himachal Pradesh capital but also a popular tourist destination, drawing a significant number of visitors throughout the year. The town offers respite during the summer, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland.
The current season has been witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals for New Year celebrations, which has been propelled by the ongoing winter carnival in Shimla.
Despite the absence of snow, tourists have been flocking to Shimla to revel in the New Year festivities. Post-Christmas, the city has been experiencing a bustling influx of tourists, causing a noticeable rise in vehicular traffic. Over the past 10 days, approximately 1.6 lakh vehicles entered through the Shoghi barrier, averaging around 10,000 vehicles daily.
This increased vehicular flow has led to occasional traffic congestion within the city, causing inconvenience for both locals and tourists alike. To address this issue, the Shimla police, led by SP Sanjeev Gandhi, has implemented the ‘One Minute Plan’. This strategy involves briefly halting vehicles outside the city before entry, while continuous monitoring via CCTV cameras aids in traffic control.
Feedback from visitors and residents suggests that the traffic situation has improved compared to previous years. Deepak from Chandigarh acknowledges better traffic management but believes that further enhancements are possible. Local resident Ashok Gupta appreciates the effectiveness of the police’s one-minute traffic plan in managing city traffic.
Kanwaljeet Singh acknowledges ongoing traffic issues but notes a visible improvement. He emphasises the need for the administration to make arrangements that facilitate smooth traffic flow, especially considering Shimla’s status as a tourist hub.
Lakshmi, a visitor from Bengaluru, acknowledges the inevitability of some traffic congestion during the holiday season but commends the overall management. Shimla resident Priyanka suggests strengthening public transport to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, thus contributing to improved traffic conditions. As the city grapples with the seasonal influx, the administration’s efforts and public suggestions aim to strike a balance between facilitating tourism and ensuring the convenience of both residents and visitors.
