PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
To address the traffic issues that have escalated in the Dehradun district due to the rise in tourist numbers and other factors, the authorities should hire urban planners who specialise in traffic management, the founder of Humanities Himalaya, Lokesh Ohri said. Many commuters and local residents said that they face traffic congestion in areas such as Rajpur Road, Clock Tower, Haridwar Road and various other roads in the city. Regarding this, they have voiced their concerns and urged prompt action to resolve the traffic problems in the city.
With the summer vacation period currently underway, there has been an increase in tourist footfall in the city. This trend is not a recent development, as similar situations have been observed in past years. A commuter Shubika expressed her frustration about the traffic situation in the city, describing it as increasingly chaotic. Last Friday, she attended an important meeting and despite arriving on time, she was delayed by half an hour due to the traffic congestion, particularly in the Rajpur Road area. She said that a significant portion of the traffic—approximately 70 to 80 per cent—consisted of vehicles from other States. This surge in tourist numbers has become a concern for local residents, particularly in relation to traffic, and she believes the authorities need to take action.
Local resident Kartik who lives in the Rajpur Road area of the city said that the influx of tourists has contributed to the traffic issues, making it difficult for him and his family to step outside their home at certain times. The increased congestion due to visitors going to Mussoorie causes them to hesitate before venturing out. He emphasised the need for a strategic action plan to address these challenges.
In a similar vein, Ohri stated that from a scientific perspective, wider roads attract more tourists to the city. The development of expressways and spacious roads serves as motivation for more visitors to come. This process seems to be ongoing. To address the traffic issues in the city, a few suggestions have been made, including promoting walkability and cycling. Additionally, increasing parking fees for both residents and tourists may encourage them to reconsider driving. However, parking should remain free for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. He further emphasised that to permanently resolve the traffic issues, authorities need to appoint urban planners who specialise in traffic management. These experts will identify high-traffic times, areas and others to develop appropriate solutions, he added.
Police prepared to manage traffic with increased tourist footfall
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Dehradun superintendent of police (Traffic) Lokjeet Singh stated that the police have made all the preparations to manage traffic in the city, especially in light of the increased tourist footfall during this period.
Talking to The Pioneer, Singh emphasised that the officials concerned and traffic police have made plans to effectively handle the influx of visitors. They are fully prepared for the measures to tackle the traffic situation. To control the traffic, measures include route diversions and halts. He also said that tourists visiting Kempty Fall have been redirected to alternative routes. Additionally, if traffic congestion worsens in the future, they plan to introduce a shuttle service, allowing tourists to leave their vehicles behind and use the shuttles instead, he added.
