Shimla Chokes Under Traffic: Over an Hour to Cover Just a Few Kilometres Between ISBT and Old Bus Stand
Severe traffic jam in Shimla
Shimla, May 6:
Himachal Pradesh’s capital city, Shimla, is currently grappling with severe traffic congestion, particularly along the stretch from ISBT Tutikandi to the Old Bus Stand. The 3–4 km distance now routinely takes over an hour to cover, especially between MLA Crossing and the Old Bus Stand, where vehicles crawl forward bumper-to-bumper. This daily ordeal is causing major inconvenience to government employees, schoolchildren, traders, and tourists alike.
This route serves as a crucial link for vehicles arriving from lower Himachal and the Delhi–Chandigarh region, and remains under constant traffic pressure. On weekends and holidays, the influx of thousands of tourists further exacerbates the gridlock. In response, private bus operators recently met with the Deputy Commissioner to express their frustration and demand a long-term solution.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has ordered the implementation of a new traffic plan within 15 days. The public has been invited to submit suggestions by May 10 via email (admlo-sml-hp@nic.in) or in writing at the DC’s office.
Special Committee to Review Suggestions
A dedicated committee chaired by Shimla’s ADM (Law and Order) will analyze the public’s input and prepare a detailed report. Key issues under review include traffic flow, one-way routing, traffic signal planning, control measures on Circular Road, movement of heavy vehicles, and regulation of school buses.
Four Major Routes Feed Shimla’s Traffic Load
Shimla’s traffic burden is compounded by four major entry points:
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Mandi–Tutu–Baluganj
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Chandigarh–Solan–Shoghi
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Dhalli to Upper Shimla
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Karsog–Tattapani–Dhalli
All traffic from these routes ultimately converges on the Circular Road — the city’s most congested corridor.
Over 1.21 Lakh Registered Vehicles
Currently, Shimla has over 1,21,000 vehicles registered across urban, rural, and RTO zones. Additionally, 5,000–6,000 vehicles enter the city daily from other parts of the state, a figure that spikes during weekends and tourist seasons.
Key bottleneck zones now routinely experiencing long jams include Baluganj, MLA Crossing, Shoghi Bazaar, 103 Tunnel, Old Barrier, Assembly Crossing, Victory Tunnel, Near Lift, Sanjauli, Khalini Chowk, Kasumpti, Tara Hall, and Auckland Tunnel.
Authorities believe that alongside stricter enforcement of traffic rules, active citizen participation is essential for lasting solutions. Residents are encouraged to share practical and creative ideas based on their experiences and local needs to help build a smoother, more efficient traffic system for Shimla.
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