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In the midst of festive celebrations, Shimla experienced a significant surge in traffic, with more than 55,000 vehicles entering the city over the past couple of days, driven by the Christmas weekend frenzy. The festive fervor, combined with a recent snowfall in Manali and Kasol, led to massive traffic jams in these popular tourist destinations.
Amid Festive Rush Over 55,000 Vehicles in Shimla. The Atal tunnel in Rohtang, connecting Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti, witnessed the passage of about 55,000 vehicles during the three-day period, as reported by officials. Social media circulated videos depicting extensive queues of vehicles on the snow-covered roads.
Sanjay Kundu, the Director General of Police in Shimla, issued an appeal to the public, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safe travel practices and strict adherence to traffic rules during the bustling festive season.
Anticipating the New Year celebrations, officials estimate that over 1 lakh vehicles will enter Shimla this week, further adding to the existing traffic challenges. Police data reveals that approximately 60,000 vehicles are currently parked along the city’s roadsides. On an average weekday, around 12,000 vehicles enter Shimla, but during weekends and peak tourist seasons, this number surges to over 26,000.
The Atal Tunnel, spanning 9.2 kilometers, holds the distinction of being the world’s highest single-tube tunnel situated above 10,000 feet.
Commending the efforts of the district administration and the police in efficiently managing the substantial tourist influx, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu acknowledged their dedication in coping with the challenges posed by the festive rush.
