Shimla Prepares for New Year: Anticipates 80,000 to 1 Lakh Visitors
Written by Sanjay Kumar
News Highlights
- Shimla Expects Massive Turnout: 80,000 to 1 Lakh Visitors Anticipated for New Year Celebrations.
- Surge in Traffic: 2,50,000 Vehicles Expected as Shimla Implements One-Minute Traffic Plan.
- Security Amps Up: CCTV and Drones Monitor Tourist Crowds in Shimla for New Year’s Eve.
In the wake of a bustling Christmas season, Shimla is gearing up for an even larger influx of visitors as New Year’s Eve approaches. A senior police officer revealed that nearly 1.5 lakh tourists flocked to the picturesque hill station during Christmas, and expectations are high with projections ranging from 80,000 to one lakh people for the upcoming New Year celebrations.
Shimla Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, assured that meticulous planning is in place to manage the expected surge in both footfall and vehicular traffic. Reflecting on the past 10 to 11 days, he shared, “In the capital city of Shimla, we have recorded 1,60,000 vehicle movements through the Shoghi Barrier. With almost 3 lakh locals and an additional influx of tourists, we are well-prepared with a one-minute traffic plan, allowing smooth movement on internal roads.”
The police department is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of the visitors. “We have deployed CCTV and drone monitoring at key tourist points such as the Ridge, Kufri, Narkanda, and other locations. This comprehensive surveillance covers both traffic congestion and human movements,” added the Shimla SP.
Tourists, undeterred by the crowds, are thronging to Shimla for the winter carnival and New Year celebrations. Gulshan, a tourist from Noida, expressed, “This New Year, we have come here with the hope of snowfall. The mountain view is very good. Despite the tourist inflow causing delays, we are enjoying every moment.”
However, the surge in demand has led to challenges, with hotels reportedly charging three times higher prices due to overcrowding. Anchal, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh, shared, “We faced problems in getting hotels due to the tourist rush here. It was disappointing that we got three times higher prices for the hotels. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our stay and are exploring more stations here.”
As Shimla braces for an unprecedented New Year celebration, authorities continue to work diligently to ensure a seamless and secure experience for both locals and tourists alike.
