In a surge of enthusiasm to travel the Atal Tunnel, key hill resorts in Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla and Manali, are witnessing a remarkable 90 per cent hotel occupancy rate.
A staggering 28,210 vehicles crossed the Atal Tunnel in a single day, establishing a new record and creating a traffic frenzy, as reported by Lahaul and Spiti police on Monday.
Following a spell of snowfall at the Atal Tunnel, tourists flocked to witness the winter spectacle, contributing to the unprecedented vehicle count.
Situation in Lahaul and Spiti
While festivities heightened the spirit of Christmas and New Year in Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti police turned to drone surveillance to monitor the escalating traffic situation. The surge in vehicles during the festive season has led to tricky law and order situations, prompting the Himachal Pradesh Police to issue challans for traffic violations.
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Car drives through Chandra River to beat traffic
In a viral video, a tourist was seen driving a Mahindra Thar SUV through the Chandra River in Lahaul Valley, drawing criticism from locals. Superintendent of Police Mayank Chaudhry stated, "The said vehicle has been challenged under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988."
Occupancy rate in Shimla Hotels
Hoteliers are buoyant with optimism, fueled by the local Meteorological Office's forecast of rain in mid-hills and rain/snow in higher hills on December 30 and 31.
Shimla experienced a surge in hotel occupancy to around 90 percent over the weekend, dropping to 60 percent on Monday as the workweek resumed.
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President of the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association, M K Seth, expects a full occupancy rate of 100 per cent, especially with the Meteorological Department predicting rain and snow on December 30 and 31. Seth commented, "Carnivals from Christmas to New Year in the state capital Shimla have added to the vigor of festivities."
President of the Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Associations (FOHHRA), Gajender Thakur, anticipates that the upcoming Manali Carnival from January 1 to 6 will further elevate year-end tourism, stating that the occupancy is around 90 per cent, and the Manali Carnival...would boost tourist arrival in the year-end.
What is the administration saying?
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended a warm welcome to the influx of tourists, acknowledging the efficient efforts of the district administration and police in managing the substantial tourist rush. Despite Kullu district facing severe monsoon disasters, there are signs of a hopeful revival in the tourism industry.
With over 1 lakh vehicles expected to enter Shimla this week for New Year celebrations, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that the state is effectively managing the situation, stating, "The state is managing (the situation) well."
Despite the benefits to the hospitality sector, the surge in tourist influx poses challenges for administration and raises concerns about the ecological impact on the fragile region. Sanjay Kundu, Director General of Police, Shimla, appealed to tourists to prioritize safe travel practices and adhere to traffic rules.
