SHIMLA, May 27: A sharp rise in temperatures across northern and western India has triggered a massive tourist influx into Himachal Pradesh, with thousands of visitors heading towards hill stations to escape the scorching heatwave conditions prevailing in the plains.
Officials said over 6.31 lakh vehicles entered Shimla during the last 24 days, including nearly 70,000 vehicles in the past 72 hours alone, leading to severe traffic congestion and increased pressure on the city’s already stretched infrastructure.
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, popularly known as the “Queen of Hills,” is witnessing unusually high tourist activity even before the traditional summer tourism peak begins in June.
According to officials, nearly 3.70 lakh vehicles entered Shimla through the Chandigarh-Kalka route, while thousands of others arrived via Bilaspur, Kullu and Kinnaur roads. The sudden rise in traffic movement has resulted in frequent jams across major roads and tourist hotspots.
Additional Superintendent of Police Abhishek said authorities have introduced extensive traffic management measures to control congestion and ensure smooth vehicular movement within the city.
Over the past week alone, more than 1.54 lakh vehicles entered Shimla, creating heavy pressure on parking facilities and road networks. Officials admitted that parking shortages remain one of the biggest challenges during the ongoing tourist season.
To manage the situation effectively, the city has been divided into five traffic zones, with each zone placed under the supervision of a gazetted officer responsible for monitoring vehicle flow and enforcement operations.
Police authorities have also deployed volunteers to assist with traffic regulation and public guidance. Tourists are being encouraged to cooperate with authorities, follow traffic rules and avoid unnecessary congestion in crowded areas.
As part of the congestion management strategy, vehicles travelling towards Upper Shimla are being diverted through the Shoghi-Mehli route to reduce pressure on the main city roads.
Officials expect the tourist inflow to increase further after the conclusion of panchayat elections on May 31, following which additional police personnel are likely to be deployed for crowd and traffic management duties.
Tourism experts noted that the summer travel season has arrived earlier than usual this year due to prolonged heatwave-like conditions affecting states including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi.
Hotel occupancy in Shimla and nearby tourist destinations has also increased significantly over the past week, with businesses reporting strong demand from families, students and weekend travellers seeking relief from rising temperatures.
Local traders and tourism operators welcomed the surge in visitors, saying the early tourist season is expected to boost the hospitality sector and local economy after months of moderate business activity.
Authorities, however, warned that continued traffic pressure could lead to longer travel delays if visitors fail to follow designated traffic diversions and parking guidelines during the peak tourism period expected in June.