Hospitality Industry in HP booms with Silver Business as Footfall Peaks”
Shimla, June 10
As scorching heatwaves continue to torment the plains, the hospitality industry in Himachal Pradesh is poised for a silver business opportunity.
With the opening of the Manali-Leh and Gramphu-Kaza National Highways (NH 3 and 504) on both sides, heavy footfalls are anticipated during the weekend.
Shimla and Manali are expected to experience a significant rush this weekend as the sweltering heatwave continues in the plains. Vehicular traffic has already congested Shimla, but the completion of the four-lane road up to Manali has alleviated the traffic congestion, bringing congratulations to the authorities.
According to the Lahaul-Spiti district administration, the Leh-Manali Road has been opened for traffic in both directions. Vehicles are allowed to move towards Sarchu from Darcha between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, while those traveling from Sarchu to Manali are permitted between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
However, to ensure the safety of commuters and the expected influx of tourists during the weekend, the administration has issued travel advisories since Friday. Travelers are cautioned that in the event of rainfall or snowfall, vehicles will not be permitted to pass. They are advised to ensure their vehicles comply with the specifications and requirements mentioned in the advisory, including fuel sufficiency, machinery condition, and tire condition. Additionally, tourists and other vehicles are urged to be cautious of shooting stones along the Darcha to Sarchu route. The administration also reminds travelers that they undertake the journey at their own risk, even after following the advisory.
Also read: Environmental Crisis in Lahaul, as tourist footfall leads to Garbage and Plastic waste overflow
Frequent announcements and signage are being displayed along the Manali-Leh road, warning of the prevailing inclement weather in the valley and the potential for avalanches or rockfalls. Tourists are advised to exercise caution while traveling and to seek safe places in case of snowfall. It is crucial to strictly adhere to the designated travel timings to avoid traffic jams.
In a separate advisory regarding traffic movement on NH 505 Kaza-Gramphu Road, the road will be open for both directions of traffic, including 4×4, 4×2, LMVS, and two-wheelers, excluding HMVs. Vehicles moving towards Lossar from Gramphu will be permitted between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM, while those traveling from Lossar to Gramphu can proceed between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The police personnel will be present to assist with coordination and ensure smooth traffic flow. These timings must be strictly followed to avoid traffic congestion.
Please note that the Chandra Taal route is open only for 4×4 vehicles. Travelers are advised to contact their family and relatives at Lossar Check Post or Koksar Check Post before embarking on this route, as it falls outside the network zone.
The Gramphu to Lossar road is highly prone to rockfalls and avalanches, necessitating careful driving on this route. In the event of rainfall or snowfall, vehicles will not be permitted to pass. Vehicles must comply with the specifications and requirements outlined in the advisory. It is essential to check fuel sufficiency, machinery condition, and tire condition before traveling through this route. Unnecessary stoppages between Gramphu and Lossar should be avoided.
The state has witnessed over one lakh vehicle entries, posing a nightmare for the district administrations of Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Shimla. Narrow lanes, link roads, and poor parking facilities have resulted in complete halts due to the surge in traffic beyond capacity and violations of road
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