SHIMLA: Shimla's traffic woes are no secret. The increasing vehicle load has turned the once tranquil hill town into a hub of bottlenecks and jams, especially on its critical hot spots and junctions.
In a bid to tackle the mess, the district administration has reached out to the public, inviting their suggestions on improving the city's traffic system.
The Peak hours traffic management needs a special focus. Why the CM and Governor Cavalcade goes on the Cart Road that resulted in the traffic mess for hours in the city?
What do not these motorcade are escorted though the restricted road. Occasionally Governor motorcade goes on this route from Railway Building to Raj Bhawan, but CM's goes mostly on the Cart Road adding to the mess.
Why the administration does not widen road at the PK Construction company's Parking Complex from the HPTD Lift, the most congested and hazardous traffic point, frequented by the public and the Tourists.
This spot needs widening as it was major failure of the government as to why this 100 m long stretch was not widened when the Parking Complex came up? This only smacks of corruption as the private contractor got a free run here, questioned old citizens here.
Suggestions can be submitted in writing to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office or via email at
Special Committee to Act on Suggestions
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap announced the formation of a special committee under the chairmanship of the Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order).
The panel includes officials from key departments like the DSP Traffic, RTO, HRTC, and the Municipal Corporation. This team will analyze public inputs and prepare a detailed plan to ease traffic woes.
Areas Open for Input
The administration has specifically asked for suggestions on:
- Speed regulation and enforcement of traffic rules.
- Implementing one-way traffic on narrow roads like the Circular Road.
- Solutions for daily bottlenecks and heavy vehicle movement.
- Management of school buses and taxis for smoother operations.
The Traffic Challenge
Shimla's increasing vehicle population is the root cause of its traffic issues. The city has four primary entry points:
1. **Shimla-Mandi Road** via Tutu and Baluganj.
2. **Chandigarh-Solan-Shoghi Road.**
3. **Upper Shimla Road** meeting at Dhalli.
4. **Karsog-Tatapani-Sunni Road** also converging at Dhalli.
All these feed into the city's lifeline, the **Circular Road**, which bears the brunt of traffic from locals, commuters, tourists, and government and private vehicles. Despite being a restricted road, its capacity is overwhelmed by vehicles with and without permits.
Startling Numbers
Currently, 1,21,437 vehicles are registered under Shimla urban, rural, and RTO Shimla.
But how many ply on the roads, and what is public transport system?. What is the peak hour traffic, in morning and evening?
Administration needs to answer this as the "peak hour traffic management" needs a special focus.
Additionally, an estimated 50,000 vehicles from other parts of Himachal Pradesh and 5,000–6,000 daily visitors add to the chaos.
The congestion hotspots include:
- Khalini Lower and Upper Chowk
-Baluganj
- MLA Crossing
- Victory Tunnel
- Lift Area
- Khalini Chowk
- Sanjauli and Dhalli Chowks
- Auckland Tunnel
- Kasumpti Chowk
Daily traffic jams at these points disrupt emergency services, delay students, and hinder employees from reaching their destinations on time.
Moving Forward
The administration is keen on drafting a better traffic plan with public participation. This initiative is seen as a ray of hope to untangle Shimla's traffic gridlock and restore some semblance of order in the city’s daily life.
Now it’s your turn to step up—mail your suggestions and help Shimla breathe a little easier!.
