Ridge Gears Up to Honour Virbhadra Singh

Statue of Legacy: Shimla prepares a historic tribute to its tallest leader

Shimla is abuzz with preparations for a landmark event — the grand unveiling of the statue of the late Virbhadra Singh, the towering political figure who served six terms as Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Scheduled for Monday at the historic Ridge, the ceremony marks a momentous occasion: after Dr. Y.S. Parmar, Singh will be only the second Chief Minister to have his statue installed at the city’s heart.

To ensure the event proceeds smoothly, security across Shimla has been tightened, with around 400 police personnel deployed. The city has been divided into five security zones — spanning from the Ridge to IGMC via Sanjauli; Christ Church to Hotel Shivalik; Scandal Point to CTO and Old Tibetan Market; Mall Road to Lower Bazaar via the Lift; and Taka Bench up to Jakhu.

Traffic and Parking Plan in Place

In anticipation of large crowds, a special traffic and parking plan has been implemented. Vehicles arriving from Theog, Rampur, Rohru, and Chopal will be parked between Chalonthi and Dhalli Bypass, while light vehicles will be allowed to drop passengers at Auckland Tunnel. Vehicles coming from Solan, Arki, Bilaspur, and rural Shimla will be directed to parking areas between Boileauganj Crossing, Tawi-More, and Chaura Maidan.

Movement of city transport and utility vehicles will remain restricted until 3 p.m. to maintain order. Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said, “All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure public convenience and a peaceful ceremony.”

A Stage Set for History

The Ridge, glowing with fresh decorations and new arrangements, has transformed into a memorial arena. Thousands — from dignitaries to ordinary citizens — are expected to gather to witness the unveiling of a leader whose political journey helped shape the modern identity of Himachal Pradesh.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu earlier directed officials to ensure seamless coordination for the event — a fitting tribute to a statesman whose legacy continues to echo through the hills of Himachal.