The picturesque town of Shimla has witnessed an influx of nearly 1.5 lakh tourists during the Christmas season, and authorities expect a similar surge for New Year celebrations. According to Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, the Superintendent of Police in Shimla, around 80,000 to one lakh tourists are anticipated for the upcoming New Year festivities.
Following the success of the Christmas and winter carnivals, authorities are gearing up for the year-end celebrations on December 31. The recent Christmas festivities drew an impressive crowd, recording 1.5 lakh tourists and approximately 2,50,000 vehicles in Shimla.
Gandhi highlighted the traffic management efforts, stating that over the past 10 to 11 days, around 1,60,000 vehicle movements were recorded through the Shoghi Barrier. The city, with nearly 3 lakh locals and a welcoming attitude towards tourists, is implementing a one-minute traffic plan, which has yielded positive results. Internal roads have been opened for free movement.
In terms of safety and security, the police department is employing modern technology, including CCTV and drone monitoring. Tourist hotspots like the Ridge, Kufri, Narkanda, and other key locations have been equipped with surveillance to manage both traffic flow and human movements.
Tourists, enthusiastic about the winter carnival and New Year celebrations, have flocked to Shimla. Some expressed their desire for snowfall and praised the scenic mountain views. However, a few visitors voiced concerns about hotel prices, citing a threefold increase due to overcrowding. Despite these challenges, tourists expressed their enjoyment of the unique experience and their eagerness to explore more destinations in the region.
