Around 15 lakh vehicles entered Shimla between May 1 and June 15, prompting police to adopt a five-point strategy to tackle the summer tourist rush.
The traffic management measures include deployment of additional force, strict surveillance, mapping alternative routes and encouraging public transport, a senior police official said.
According to hoteliers, average occupancy at tourist accommodations across Himachal Pradesh last week stood at 60-70 per cent during weekdays, rising to 80-90 per cent on the weekends.
Police have deployed an additional 210 personnel and home guards, besides volunteers, to manage traffic. Traffic personnel have also been deployed at major parking sites to ensure smooth entry and exit of vehicles.
Interceptor vehicles are being operated in several areas to enforce traffic regulations and ensure swift action against violations.
Shimla city has been divided into five sectors to ensure better monitoring and regulation of traffic. Each sector has been assigned to a gazetted officer whose primary responsibility is to ensure smooth movement of traffic within the respective sector.
Tourists are being encouraged to use alternative routes to save time and reduce congestion within the city. Travellers heading towards Kufri, Narkanda, Theog and Kinnaur have been advised to use the Shoghi-Mehli bypass route.
Shimla Police is also creating and sharing awareness and educational videos on social media platforms to provide traffic-related information to tourists and the public.
