Massive traffic jams hit Himachal, Uttarakhand on long weekend
A long holiday weekend in India has led to severe traffic congestion on major routes in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Popular tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites are experiencing significant delays due to a surge in visitor numbers.
Why it matters
The congestion highlights infrastructure challenges in mountainous regions during peak tourism seasons and raises concerns about safety and emergency access.
DEHRADUN: The three-day Gandhi Jayanti weekend has triggered a heavy rush of tourists and pilgrims in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with traffic congestion reported on key routes leading to Manali, Shimla and Mussoorie, as well as pilgrimage sites including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.The rush followed the October 2 government holiday, with tourists using the extended weekend to travel to hill stations while pilgrims headed to Uttarakhand's Char Dham shrines.Heavy traffic on Chandigarh-Shimla routeThe Chandigarh-Shimla National Highway-5 witnessed heavy traffic on Friday as tourists headed towards Himachal Pradesh. Long queues of vehicles were reported on the Kalka-Shimla highway, with traffic moving slowly for several hours.The journey, which normally takes around three-and-a-half to four hours, was taking several additional hours amid the traffic surge.
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