Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: The picturesque hill station of Shimla is currently buckling under the weight of an unprecedented traffic crisis. What once used to be a 15–20 minute commute has now ballooned into a frustrating two-hour ordeal for residents and tourists alike. The daily life of citizens has been severely disrupted, as traffic congestion now persists from dawn until well into the evening.
Massive Influx of Vehicles: 3 Lakh Cars in Just Two Weeks
In just the first half of June, Shimla witnessed the entry of over 3 lakh vehicles, driven largely by the tourist influx during the rainy season. While tourism boosts the local economy, the lack of infrastructure preparedness has resulted in overwhelming traffic pressure on the already narrow and ageing roads.
Key Routes Choked: From Dhalli to Sanjauli and Chhota Shimla to Vidhan Sabha
Local reports point to major bottlenecks on key city arteries, including the Dhalli-Sanjauli stretch, Chhota Shimla to Old Bus Stand, and the crossings leading up to the Vidhan Sabha. These areas remain gridlocked for most of the day, making routine travel a daunting task.
Public Outcry: Commuters Losing Hours Daily
Office-goers and parents are among the worst hit. “What used to take 20 minutes now takes nearly two hours,” said Avneesh, a local resident. “Reaching office on time has become impossible, and we end up getting reprimanded every day.” Another parent lamented, “Dropping children to school has become a battle — every day feels like a war just to get them there on time.”
Root Causes: Illegal Parking, Encroachment & Weak Traffic Management
Residents have squarely blamed illegal roadside parking, rampant shop encroachments, and the ineffective traffic police as the primary culprits behind the worsening scenario. “The problem has been around for years, but no permanent solution has ever been implemented,” says Ramesh Thakur from Tutikandi.
Walking Over Driving: The Last Resort
In an effort to avoid the traffic, some people have started walking to their destinations. “Driving is no longer an option. I’ve stopped using my car altogether to reach the office,” a daily commuter shared. Even bus drivers expressed concern, citing that the city’s narrow roads were never built to handle this level of vehicular load.
A Cry for Immediate Action
The city’s residents are demanding immediate and effective intervention from the administration. Suggestions range from better traffic policing to long-term infrastructure upgrades like multi-level parking, alternate routes, and smart traffic signals. As the tourist season picks up pace, the pressure on Shimla’s roads is expected to intensify, further escalating the crisis.