Shimla recorded heavy tourist rush during long weekend

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Around 70,000 vehicles entered the city in three days, 60% of vehicles were from outside Himachal Pradesh

Shimla: Shimla witnessed a sharp surge in tourist traffic during the long weekend, with nearly 70,000 vehicles entering the hill city through the Shoghi barrier between October 2 and 4. About 60 per cent of the vehicles were from outside Himachal Pradesh, putting additional pressure on the city’s roads and causing traffic congestion at several locations.

The rush peaked on Saturday, when around 25,000 vehicles crossed the Shoghi barrier towards Shimla. The three-day figure was more than twice the usual vehicle movement recorded on normal days, highlighting the heavy tourist influx at the beginning of the festive and tourism season.

The rise in tourist arrivals put several major city roads under pressure, with traffic slowing at multiple points. With the tourism season gaining momentum, authorities expect visitor and vehicle numbers to rise further in the coming weeks.

The increased footfall has also boosted tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, taxi operators and other local establishments. Tourist movement has also picked up at several other destinations across Himachal Pradesh.

ASP City Shimla Mehar Panwar said ongoing tarring work in the city had also contributed to the increased traffic pressure. She said maintaining smooth traffic movement remained a priority for Shimla Police and appealed to motorists and tourists to follow traffic rules and cooperate with personnel deployed on the roads.

The police are preparing for a further rise in tourist arrivals and vehicle movement as the tourism season progresses.