SHIMLA, Jun 15: Thousands of tourists heading to Himachal Pradesh’s popular hill stations over the weekend faced severe traffic congestion, with many stranded for hours and some forced to abandon their travel plans altogether.
The traffic situation worsened significantly on the approximately 22-kilometre Dalhousie-Khajjiar route in Chamba district on Sunday, where long queues of vehicles stretched across the Lakarmandi pass. Hundreds of visitors remained stuck in traffic for several hours on the scenic route connecting Dalhousie with Khajjiar, popularly known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.”
Tourists expressed frustration over the lack of effective traffic management despite paying various entry and tourism-related fees. Many questioned why authorities were unable to ensure smooth movement during the peak tourist season, when heavy inflows of visitors are expected.
Several travellers from Bihar and Varanasi said they remained trapped in traffic for nearly four hours. They alleged that authorities were largely absent from the scene and criticised the administration for failing to prepare a concrete traffic management plan despite recurring seasonal congestion.
“We have spent a considerable amount on this trip, but there are no basic facilities such as toilets or drinking water. Traffic regulation measures were introduced only after the situation had already deteriorated,” said Vasundhra, a tourist from Bihar.
Local residents noted that vehicle numbers on the Dalhousie-Khajjiar corridor increase every year during the tourist season, but infrastructure such as parking spaces and traffic-control arrangements has not expanded accordingly. As a result, lengthy traffic jams have become a recurring problem.
Tourists and locals urged the administration to implement long-term solutions, including deploying additional police personnel, improving traffic planning, and creating better parking facilities to manage the growing tourist influx.
Similar congestion was reported on the route between Dharamshala and Upper Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj) in Kangra district. A journey that normally takes around 15 minutes stretched into hours due to bumper-to-bumper traffic over the weekend.
The worsening traffic situation has also raised concerns about emergency services. Ambulances carrying critically ill patients, school buses, government vehicles and daily commuters often find themselves trapped in gridlock, causing serious delays.
Residents said tensions frequently flare among motorists during prolonged traffic jams, sometimes resulting in heated arguments and physical altercations.
“Unless authorities regulate the number of vehicles entering Upper Dharamshala, the situation will continue to worsen. Visitors are avoiding the area due to congestion, which is hurting local businesses,” said Nilofer, a shopkeeper in McLeod Ganj.
Echoing similar concerns, local transporter Abhay Dev said many tourists are now reluctant to book trips to McLeod Ganj because of the likelihood of spending hours stuck in traffic.
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj remain among Himachal Pradesh’s most visited destinations, attracting pilgrims, trekkers, spiritual seekers and domestic as well as international tourists, many drawn by the scenic Dhauladhar mountain range and the presence of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
