Rishikesh and Mussoorie are grappling with traffic congestion amid tourist surge in Uttarakhand

Tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, including Mussoorie and Rishikesh, are experiencing major traffic congestion due to huge influx of tourists, especially on weekends. The surge in tourist numbers has led to vibrant markers and busy tourist sites, with local businesses welcoming the increase in economic activities. However, the increased vehicle flow has resulted in extensive traffic jams, which has caused, among other things, nuisance.

In Mussoorie, popular destinations such as George Everest’s House, Company Garden, Gun Hill, Bhatta Falls and Kempty Falls were packed with visitors. The Mussoorie Hotel Association reported on Saturday evening that the hotel occupancy rate was between 55 and 65 percent. In particular, the traffic situation deteriorated, with vehicles trundling from Kincraig to Library Bazaar, Zero Point to Kempty Road and long queues at every intersection.

Rishikesh faced similar challenges, with traffic jams on major routes such as Haridwar-Rishikesh, Rishikesh-Munikireti, Laxman Jhula, Ramjhula, Tapovan-Shivpuri and Natraj-Bhadrakali. The absence of police personnel, who were engaged in election duties, aggravated the situation till the afternoon. In addition, the lack of traffic management led to chaotic parking and arguments between motorists.

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The traffic problems extended to Dehradun Tiraha, Chandrabhaga Tiraha, ISBT Road, Dehradun Road and Railway Road. It was only later in the afternoon that police and house guard personnel arrived at intersections such as Triveni Ghat Chowk to help prevent further traffic disruption.

Over the weekend, a significant number of tourists from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh drove to Rishikesh. Traffic jams from Nepali Farm to Shyampur diversion post continued all day, worsened by a closed railway gate. The congestion affected the intersection of Chandrabhaga Bridge, Munikireti, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and Tapovan, with a noticeable shortage of police officers.

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The onset of summer has led to a rise in temperatures in northern India, prompting tourists to seek respite in the holiday destinations of Uttarakhand. The attraction of the Rishikesh waterfalls and the Ganga River have contributed to the growing number of visitors, impacting the traffic flow. This trend is expected to continue as the weather warms, highlighting the need for effective traffic management to accommodate the seasonal tourist surge.