Over 10 lakh vehicles crossed Shimla in June, leading to severe traffic congestion on the city's roads and main entry points. The summer tourist season has brought an unprecedented influx of visitors, causing jams at Taradevi, Dhalli, and Totu, inconveniencing commuters.
Traffic Surge Compared to May
According to Shimla Police, the number of vehicles crossing the city in June surged compared to May. In May, about 8 lakh vehicles passed through, while June saw over 10 lakh vehicles, bringing the two-month total to over 18.5 lakh vehicles. Shimla SSP Gaurav Singh stated that despite the high tourist numbers, police have managed traffic proactively.
Enhanced Traffic Management Measures
To handle the increased pressure, the police force was strengthened from 136 to 265 personnel, including home guards. Additionally, about 50 volunteers and 32 traffic bike riders were deployed to ensure quick response to bottlenecks. The city was divided into five sectors, each overseen by a Grade One officer who personally led operations. Senior officers conducted field visits to resolve issues on the spot.
Alternative Routes and Parking Management
Vehicles heading to Kufri, Mashobra, Naldehra, Upper Shimla, and Kinnaur were encouraged to use the Shoghi-Mehli bypass. As a result, 600 to 800 vehicles use this alternative route daily. Effective parking management, real-time traffic updates via social media, promotion of public transport, and enforcement through interceptor vehicles have been key strategies, said SSP Singh.
The SSP appealed to tourists and locals to follow traffic rules and use alternative routes as needed.
