Tourists get a break from heat, But Gridlock Turns Daily Life in Shimla into a Struggle

As temperatures soar in the plains, Shimla has become a popular escape for tourists from neighbouring states. But while the hill station enjoys the seasonal rush, the surge in visitors is taking a heavy toll on the city’s roads. Traffic congestion has reached worrying levels, with long queues of vehicles now a daily reality across major routes.

For local residents and office-goers, this means one thing—getting to work or home on time is becoming increasingly difficult.

One of the worst-hit stretches is the Dhalli–Kufri road. Here, traffic snarls are being worsened by illegal parking, roadside eateries, and hawkers who occupy precious road space. Residents say they have repeatedly raised concerns with authorities, but claim that little action has been taken. Many feel the police have been passive observers as the situation continues to spiral.

Daily commuters—especially government employees, private sector workers, and students—are bearing the brunt of the chaos. Peak hours in the morning and evening often turn into long, exhausting waits, with vehicles crawling through congested stretches and tempers running high.

The mushrooming of temporary shops has only added to the problem. From Dhalli to Kufri, makeshift stalls and food outlets line the roads, attracting tourists who often stop their vehicles abruptly. This not only slows traffic but creates frequent bottlenecks that ripple across already crowded roads.

A similar situation is unfolding on the Shoghi–Shimla highway, where roadside fruit vendors have sprung up in large numbers. Vehicles pulling over to buy fruit further choke the route, contributing to frequent traffic jams.

Locals now say the administration faces a difficult choice—whether to allow unchecked roadside commercial activity that caters to tourists, or to prioritise smoother traffic flow and daily convenience for residents. There is growing demand for stricter enforcement against illegal parking and encroachments, especially as the tourist season intensifies.

The concerns come amid an unprecedented influx of vehicles into Shimla. Official figures reveal that nearly 6.31 lakh vehicles entered the city in May alone, with around 70,000 arriving in just the last 72 hours. A large number of these came via the Chandigarh–Kalka route, while others approached from Bilaspur, Kullu, and Kinnaur.

This sudden spike has once again exposed Shimla’s long-standing challenges with parking infrastructure and traffic management.

Although police claim that special arrangements have been put in place, residents say the reality on the ground tells a different story. Congestion, illegal parking, and roadside encroachments continue largely unchecked, making everyday travel an increasingly frustrating experience for the people who call Shimla home.