The much-awaited tunnel project aimed at decongesting Shimla’s Circular Road has taken a significant step forward by changing the original plan. Authorities have now chosen the route from Talland to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), a strategic shift to ease the city’s persistent traffic problems.
Traffic congestion on Shimla’s Circular Road has long been a source of frustration for residents and visitors. The area experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak tourist season, with major jams around the Victory Tunnel, Lakkar Bazaar and Sanjauli Chowk making the problem even worse. These blockages lead to long delays, especially during morning and evening peak hours with vehicles often getting stuck in traffic jams.
Recent studies have shown that more than 30,000 vehicles pass through this crucial route every day, leading to congestion. In response, the state government allocated Rs 97 crore to decongest Circular Road. This funding is aimed at implementing infrastructure improvements, such as road widening and better traffic management, to ensure smooth flow of traffic across the city.
Realignment for efficiency
Initially, alternate routes were considered, but after assessing factors such as land acquisition challenges and environmental impact, the Talland to IGMC route emerged as the most viable option. This realignment is expected to divert a large chunk of traffic away from Circular Road, directly easing pressure on the most congested areas of the city. The realigned route will not only reduce traffic jams, but will also reduce travel time for commuters travelling between major areas of Shimla, including the busy Indira Gandhi Medical College and nearby areas.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh had earlier identified the bottlenecks on Circular Road, and stressed the need for immediate action to ease traffic jams. The decision to pursue the Talland-IGMC route builds on these efforts, with priority given to easing access to important locations such as hospitals and administrative buildings.
Future plans and expectations
The government has also announced plans for additional projects to address Shimla’s infrastructure problems. A ropeway project, in collaboration with the World Bank, is set to further reduce vehicular congestion. This integrated approach, combining tunnels and alternative transport systems, reflects the government’s commitment to long-term solutions for traffic management.
Overall, the new tunnel alignment is set to ease daily commutes, significantly improving Shimla’s transport infrastructure. It is expected that these measures will not only ease immediate traffic concerns but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors to the city.
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