SHIMLA: Approximately 1.5 lakh tourists flocked to Shimla for Christmas, and expectations are set for around 80,000 to 1 lakh tourists to join the
New Year celebrations
.
"Following the model of Christmas and winter carnivals, we plan to organize similar festivities for December 31st. We witnessed almost 1.5 lakh tourists during Christmas, and we anticipate a turnout of 80,000 to 1 lakh people, along with nearly 2,50,000 vehicles for the year-end celebrations," stated Shimla's superintendent of police, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi.
"In the capital city of Shimla, over the last 10 to 11 days, we have documented 1,60,000 vehicle passages through the Shoghi Barrier.
With nearly 3 lakh locals and the addition of tourists, we have implemented a one-minute traffic plan, yielding positive results. Additionally, we have facilitated unrestricted movement on internal roads," he further mentioned.
The Shimla SP also conveyed that the department is overseeing traffic using CCTV and drones.
"We have implemented arrangements at key tourist destinations in Shimla, such as the Ridge, Narkanda, Kufri and other locations. We employ CCTV and drone surveillance to monitor both traffic congestion and human movements. Our focus is on ensuring security, safety, and efficient traffic management, with additional efforts directed towards providing guidance to tourists," he added.
Tourists are flocking to the hills in Himachal Pradesh for winter carnival and
New Year
celebrations.
"This New Year, we have arrived with the anticipation of experiencing snowfall. The mountain view is spectacular. Although the tourist influx is causing delays, we are enjoying the experience," shared Gulshan, a tourist from Noida.
Tourists also mentioned that due to overcrowding, hotels are charging three times the usual rates.
"We encountered difficulties in securing hotels due to the high tourist demand here. It was disappointing to find hotel prices three times higher than usual. Despite that, we are enjoying our stay and exploring more destinations in the area," shared Anchal, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh.
(With inputs from agency)