As winter sets in, the renowned hill stations of Manali and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh are experiencing a surge in tourist arrivals, putting the patience of travelers to the test. The holiday rush has led to significant traffic bottlenecks on major routes, including the Atal Tunnel and highways, turning popular tourist spots into congested areas.
The National Highway leading to the Atal Tunnel, a key route to Manali, is facing congestion, particularly between Manali and Vashisth Chowk, Potato Ground to Rangadi, and Solang Nala to Atal Tunnel. The situation is akin to bumper-to-bumper car parks in these locations. Similar challenges are being faced in the well-known Kasol and Jari regions.
The traffic woes extend to Shimla, with congestion on the road connecting Shoghi with the state capital. In the past few days, Shimla has witnessed an influx of nearly 55,000 vehicles, with a significant increase in traffic through the Atal Tunnel, connecting Kullu, Lahaul, and Spiti. Videos circulating on social media depict long lines of cars on the roads.
Director General of Police in Shimla, Sanjay Kundu, has urged visitors to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic laws. With over a lakh cars expected to enter Shimla for New Year’s celebrations, the tourist inflow is anticipated to rise further.
Police data reveals approximately 60,000 cars currently parked along Shimla’s roadsides. Weekday traffic averages 12,000 cars but surges to nearly 26,000 on weekends, especially during peak travel seasons.
In the Rohtang and Sissu areas, tourists are flocking after a recent snowfall. The dry weather forecast until December 28 is expected to attract more tourists to Manali in the coming days.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu commended the police and local government for efficiently managing the large influx of tourists. Gajender Thakur, President of the Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Associations (FOHHRA), noted an occupancy rate of approximately 90%. The upcoming Manali Carnival from January 1 to 6 aims to showcase local cuisine and culture, further boosting year-end tourist arrivals.
