Shimla, July 11,
As the tourist season transitions into apple season, Shimla town, often plagued by traffic jams, road accidents, and congestion, is preparing for the influx. Superintendent of Police (SP) Shimla, Sanjeev Gandhi, stated that following an in-depth study on traffic volume and consultations with various stakeholders, several measures have been proposed to alleviate the town’s traffic problems during the harvest season.
Highlighting the pressing need to address this persistent problem, SP Gandhi informed about the ‘Apple on Wheel Plan.’ Significant steps have been taken by the district police to curb the menace. A significant challenge identified is the presence of black spots. “Black spots are causative for road accidents,” he stated.
Another reason for traffic jams during the harvest season is vehicle breakdowns, due to overheating on uphill or brake failure on downhill routes. “Crucial holding points where vehicles will be given a halt to cool off brake mechanisms have been identified,” he added. Notably, the apple harvest is typically loaded from remote villages with narrow road access, and breakdowns in such areas can seriously congest the path, causing pile-ups. Additionally, since apples are a perishable fruit, any delay in moving the harvest to market on time may result in losses.
SP Gandhi further emphasized that the problem extends beyond mere traffic management and volume; it also involves addressing the skills and training of drivers. The current licensing regime requires introspection, as unskilled and untrained drivers significantly impact vehicular movement and overall road safety. “Drivers of hill areas will be educated on hill driving, and special eyesight testing camps will be organized,” he stated.
Adding to this, around apple market areas, besides the presence of the usual traffic force, a master regulator will be designated to ensure smoother traffic flow. “There will be traffic Master Regulators around Apple Mandis to keep a check on vehicular flow,” stated SP Gandhi. This measure aims to streamline traffic and minimize disruptions during one of Shimla’s busiest times of the year.
SP Gandhi informed that compared to 2023, road accidents recorded till March 2024 saw a 29 percent decrease. Deaths were 8 percent fewer, and injury cases were 42 percent fewer. In 2024, there were 60 major road accidents in the district, resulting in 36 deaths and 83 injuries. In comparison, 2023 had 85 accidents, causing 39 deaths and 144 injuries.
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