In a significant move to tackle anticipated traffic congestion, the Jaipur Police Commissionerate's traffic wing has announced a series of restrictions on vehicular movement within the historic Walled City area. The curbs will be in effect from December 20 to January 10, covering the peak tourist season that includes Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Key Restrictions and Rationale
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sumeet Meharda outlined the specific measures. E-rickshaws will face a complete ban inside the Walled City and in zones adjacent to the Amer Fort for the entire duration. Furthermore, the movement of slow-moving and light goods vehicles within the Walled City will be restricted between 9 am and 8 pm daily. To streamline flow, several internal roads will be converted to one-way traffic only.
Officials explained that the decision stems from the expectation of a massive influx of tourists during the extended holiday weekends. Apart from international visitors, a large number of tourists from neighbouring states like Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are projected to arrive. The limited parking space, especially around the City Palace complex, often forces tourist vehicles to park on main roads, exacerbating gridlock.
Managing the UNESCO Heritage Site During Peak Season
The primary objectives of the advisory are to regulate haphazard parking on the internal roads of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and to ensure smoother traffic flow. The police anticipate that the situation is likely to worsen due to the increased movement of tourist cabs and private vehicles. The restrictions aim to pre-emptively address the chaos that typically accompanies the high tourist season in the Pink City.
By prohibiting e-rickshaws and limiting goods vehicles during daytime hours, authorities hope to decongest the narrow lanes of the old city. The designation of one-way routes is a tactical measure to prevent opposing traffic streams from blocking each other, a common occurrence in crowded areas.
Expected Impact and Tourist Advisory
While these steps may cause minor inconvenience to some local operators, the police emphasize that they are crucial for the overall experience of visitors and residents alike. Tourists planning to visit Jaipur's Walled City, Amer Fort, and City Palace during this period are advised to plan their travel accordingly. They should consider using alternative modes of transport or parking in designated areas outside the restricted zones to avoid delays.
The Jaipur Police's proactive approach highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing heritage conservation, tourism promotion, and everyday mobility in one of India's most popular tourist destinations. The effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored throughout the three-week period.
