Ahead of New Year's Eve, popular holiday destinations like Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are witnessing unprecedented traffic jams as thousands of tourists flock to the hill stations to welcome the New Year 2024.
#WATCH | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Tourists continue to rush to the hill station ahead of New Year. pic.twitter.com/2W4gQhtPIy
— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023
"As many 1,60,000 vehicles have entered Shimla in ten days including 55000 outstation vehicles... We have analysed our capacity and formulated a one-minute traffic plan, which has eased the traffic on the road for tourists and locals alike," Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi told ANI.
Videos of massive traffic jams in and around Manali have gone viral on social media as tourists in large numbers thronged the town for New Year celebrations.
आज भारी पर्यटकों को संख्या को देखते हुए जिला पुलिस द्वारा कानून व्यवस्था,पर्यटक सुरक्षा एवं यातायात व्यवस्था इत्यादि का कुशल रूप से संचालन करने के लिए जिला लाहौल एवं स्पीति पुलिस द्वारा ड्रोन सर्विलेंस किया गया। pic.twitter.com/qqIuyvzVat
— Himachal Pradesh Police (@himachalpolice) December 25, 2023
After arriving in Manali, a majority of the tourists headed for the Atal Tunnel, which led to traffic jams on this stretch, according to reports.
“As many as 28,210 vehicles passed through the Atal Tunnel, the highest since its opening,” Lahaul and Spiti police said.
On Monday, people remained stuck in traffic jams in multiple areas around Manali and the Atal Tunnel, including Solang and Dhundi, TOI reported.
Besides this, the traffic jam was also witnessed in Sissu, Lahaul, and Spiti.
Due to a lack of proper traffic management, heavy traffic was also seen on roads heading towards the Tirthan and Parvati Valleys.
Tourists have been asked not to drive in the early morning and evening hours as the build-up of black ice could lead to accidents, as per reports.
⚠️⚠️⚠️𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘⚠️⚠️⚠️Snowfall leads to slippery roads, be #GENTLE with #BRAKES and #ACCELERATOR.#Road #Safety #Traffic #Himachal #Snow #HPPolice pic.twitter.com/hFDVVpmBgE
— Himachal Pradesh Police (@himachalpolice) December 25, 2023
The Himachal Pradesh government is providing a safe environment for travel and other state-of-the-art facilities to attract more tourists, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said.
Sukhu said infrastructure is being developed as per the modern-day requirements for the convenience of the visitors. He further ensured them a pleasant experience during their stay.
There are around 9,000 hotels in Himachal Pradesh, while options for homestays are also being regulated, considering the influx of tourists, Sukhu said.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
First Published: Dec 27, 2023 5:53 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Dharamshala Assembly bypoll: BJP rebel in fray, straight contest turns into three-way fight
May 23, 2024 2:52 PM
Not invited to any BJP rallies, events, meetings — Jayant Sinha's reply to showcause notice
May 23, 2024 12:58 PM