By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 19 Dec: Preparations are underway to implement a comprehensive action plan to streamline traffic in Mussoorie. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi reviewed the plan prepared by the District Administration and the Police Department at the Secretariat here today. The plan aims to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions to address Mussoorie’s traffic issues and enhance the travel experience for tourists, which would benefit the local community.
A key component of the action plan includes the identification of 28 satellite parking locations on the city’s outskirts. Once these parking arrangements are completed, tourists will have access to shuttle services and golf carts to reach their destinations. The initial shuttle service route will run from King Craig to Picture Palace and Gandhi Chowk, especially during peak seasons. Local rickshaw drivers will be provided training to strengthen the local economy. King Craig and Hathi Paon Bend (Turn) have been identified for satellite parking, with developments planned for police booths, shuttle booths, parking, lighting, security, and public facilities. Coordination with local taxi operators is also being planned to create new employment opportunities and improve services.
During the meeting, Raturi emphasised promoting shuttle services to attract tourists and directed regular monitoring and reviews for passenger convenience and satisfaction. She observed that analysing the traffic flow and gathering feedback from tourists would be crucial for the shuttle service’s success. Additionally, the Municipal Commissioner, Dehradun, has been instructed to arrange and utilise the services of cattle and animal catchers for managing stray animals in Mussoorie and Dehradun.
The District Administration and Police Department reported that the 28 satellite parking locations are strategically placed by the roadside. Tourists would be required to park their vehicles at these sites and use shuttle services for onward travel to Mussoorie. This initiative aims to reduce private vehicle influx in the city centre, streamline traffic, enhance visitor convenience, and preserve the area’s natural charm.
Raturi emphasised on the need for an effective traffic plan in Mussoorie due to the pressures from local residents and tourists, traffic congestion, excessive use of private vehicles, limited parking space, and environmental concerns. Police booths would be established at parking places for tourists’ convenience and to maintain an organised traffic system. An app will also be launched to provide real-time parking data.
The meeting was attended by DGP Deepam Seth, Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey, IG Arun Mohan Joshi, DM, Dehradun, Savin Bansal, SSP, Dehradun, Ajai Singh and Municipal Commissioner Namami Bansal beside others.
