Himachal Pradesh News
Shimla Witnesses Massive Tourist Rush: 7.5 Lakh Vehicles Arrive in June, Hotels Reach 90% Occupancy
As intense heat continues to affect several parts of India, the cool weather of Shimla has become a major attraction for travelers seeking relief. The famous hill station is currently witnessing one of its busiest summer tourism seasons, with lakhs of visitors arriving every week.
As intense heat continues to affect several parts of India, the cool weather of Shimla has become a major attraction for travelers seeking relief. The famous hill station is currently witnessing one of its busiest summer tourism seasons, with lakhs of visitors arriving every week.
With pleasant temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, popular destinations such as the Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, and Lower Bazaar are crowded from morning till late evening. The increasing number of tourists has also led to long queues at the lift connecting Cart Road to Mall Road, while several parking areas in the city are operating close to their maximum capacity.
7.5 Lakh Vehicles Arrive in June; Daily Traffic Crosses 40,000
The scale of the tourist rush can be understood from the massive rise in vehicle movement. According to district police data, more than 16 lakh vehicles entered Shimla district during May and June. Around 8.5 lakh vehicles arrived in May, while approximately 7.5 lakh vehicles have entered the district in June so far.
Currently, nearly 40,000 vehicles are moving through Shimla and nearby areas every day, especially during weekends when tourist arrivals witness a sharp increase. The Kalka-Shimla National Highway remains under heavy traffic pressure as visitors continue to enter the city.
Hotels Reach 90% Occupancy as Tourism Industry Gets a Boost
The surge in tourist arrivals has brought a major boost to the local tourism sector. According to hotel operators and tourism businesses, hotel occupancy in Shimla has reached nearly 90 percent during the weekend.
Not only Shimla city, nearby tourist destinations including Kufri, Narkanda, Hatu Peak, and other parts of Upper Shimla are also experiencing a heavy flow of tourists. Restaurants, local markets, and tourism-related businesses are witnessing increased customer activity, with many traders calling this season better than previous years.
Mall Road and Religious Sites Witness Heavy Footfall
The evening crowd on the Ridge and Mall Road has become so large that walking through certain stretches has become challenging. Tourist attractions and religious places, especially Jakhu Temple, are witnessing a significant increase in visitor numbers.
The lively atmosphere has boosted the local economy, but the growing number of vehicles has also created challenges related to traffic movement and parking availability.
Shimla Police Strengthen Traffic Management Amid Rising Congestion
To handle the extraordinary tourist rush, Shimla Police has implemented a special traffic management plan. The number of personnel deployed for traffic duties, including police officers and Home Guards, has been increased from 136 to 220.
Additionally, around 50 civil and student volunteers have been engaged to assist with traffic operations. The number of traffic bike riders has also been increased from 7 to 32 to respond quickly to traffic jams and vehicle breakdowns.
The city has been divided into five traffic sectors, each supervised by a Grade-I officer, while senior police officials are continuously monitoring the situation on the ground.
Alternative Routes Suggested for Tourists to Avoid Traffic
Authorities are advising tourists traveling towards Kufri, Mashobra, Narkanda, and other Upper Shimla destinations to use the Shoghi-Mehli bypass route to reduce congestion inside the city. Around 800 vehicles are reportedly being diverted through this route every day.
Vehicles heading from Upper Shimla towards Chandigarh and Delhi are also being guided through alternative routes from the Dhalli bifurcation point. Three cranes, interceptor vehicles, and dedicated traffic teams have been deployed to maintain smooth vehicle movement.
Police have appealed to visitors to follow traffic rules, park vehicles only at designated locations, and cooperate with authorities to ensure a hassle-free travel experience during the peak summer season.
