In Himachal Pradesh, a popular tourist destination in North India, heavy traffic and an influx of tourists have caused significant congestion during the Christmas weekend. As a result, the owner of an SUV was fined by the Himachal Pradesh Police for driving across the Chandra River in the Lahaul and Spiti district to avoid the traffic. A video of the SUV navigating the river went viral on social media, leading to the police taking action.
The incident occurred as tourists flocked to Himachal Pradesh after snowfall at the Atal Tunnel on Saturday. On Sunday alone, a record number of 28,210 vehicles crossed the tunnel, according to the Lahaul and Spiti police. This surge in traffic led to chaos and congestion in popular hill resorts like Shimla and Manali, with hotel occupancy reaching 90 percent.
The incident involving the SUV crossing the river Chandra highlights the frustration faced by both tourists and locals due to the traffic situation. To prevent such offenses in the future, the district police have deployed personnel at the location. The owner of the SUV was penalized under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
This is not the first time Himachal Pradesh has experienced overcrowding and traffic congestion during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Tourists often visit popular destinations like Manali, Kasol, and Banjar/Tirthan Valley, seeking a “White Christmas” experience. However, the influx of vehicles and tourists leads to significant traffic congestion and gridlock on the roads.
The Atal Tunnel, a 9.2-kilometer-long tunnel connecting Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti districts, has become a major bottleneck. The tunnel, which is the world’s highest single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet, has been filled with traffic, leaving passengers stranded in their vehicles. The National Highway connecting Manali and Keylong, which provides access to the Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel, has also become congested, with bumper-to-bumper traffic stretching for kilometers.
Similar traffic woes have been reported on the route leading to Shimla, with gridlock on the highway connecting the state capital with Shoghi. Police data indicates that on Sunday alone, an estimated 65,000 people traveled in more than 12,000 vehicles through the Atal Tunnel, further exacerbating the congestion.
The Himachal Pradesh Police have predicted that around one lakh (100,000) tourists will visit the state ahead of New Year’s Eve. In Shimla alone, over 55,000 vehicles have entered the city in the past few days. The Atal Tunnel has witnessed a significant flow of traffic, with approximately 55,000 vehicles passing through in the last three days.
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The situation in Himachal Pradesh highlights the need for better infrastructure and management to handle the increasing number of tourists. The authorities should consider implementing measures to regulate traffic flow and prevent such incidents in the future. Additionally, promoting alternative modes of transportation and spreading awareness about responsible tourism can help alleviate the congestion and ensure a smoother experience for both tourists and locals.
In conclusion, the incident involving an SUV crossing the Chandra River to avoid traffic in Himachal Pradesh highlights the challenges faced by the state due to heavy tourist influx and inadequate infrastructure. It is crucial for the authorities to address these issues and implement effective solutions to ensure a better experience for visitors and maintain the ecological balance of the region.
