Shimla’s Iconic Mall Road Faces Identity Crisis: VIP Parking Sparks Public Outcry

Shimla’s Mall Road, once the pride of the summer capital during British rule and a haven for leisurely strolls, is now at the center of a heated debate. What was meant to be a pedestrian paradise is slowly turning into a VIP parking zone—thanks to the yellow lines that now mark spaces for ministers, legislators, and other dignitaries.

A public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Himachal Pradesh High Court has challenged this transformation, arguing that it threatens the very soul of Shimla. The court, led by Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, has taken serious note of the issue and demanded all records related to the yellow line designation from the state government. The next hearing is set for November 26.

During proceedings, the court was surprised to learn that the government couldn’t produce any official notification authorizing parking on Mall Road. This revelation has raised eyebrows, especially since vehicles belonging to the Governor’s office, MPs, and MLAs are frequently seen parked along the restricted stretch between Rock-Sea Hotel and Willow Bank.

The bench questioned whether VIP drop-off permissions were being misused for all-day parking, noting that such areas should be treated strictly as drop zones. Petitioners warned that if this trend continues, Mall Road could lose its charm and exclusivity, becoming just another congested street.

Adding to the concern is the growing presence of garbage along Shimla’s roads, which is marring the city’s image as a pristine tourist destination. The PIL aims to protect not just Mall Road, but the broader heritage and pedestrian-friendly ethos of Shimla.