Reckless roadside parking chokes Shimla-Airport road, commuters and ambulances bear the brunt
Shimla, Sept 11
Reckless roadside parking has emerged as a major traffic hazard on the Shimla-Airport road, with daily commuters, public transport operators and emergency services facing increasing difficulties on the busy stretch.
The problem has been compounded by rapid ribbon growth, construction activity and inadequate parking facilities in multi-storey commercial and residential buildings along the road. With insufficient designated parking spaces, vehicles are frequently left idle on the carriageway or along road margins, narrowing the already limited road width and creating bottlenecks.
The situation becomes particularly critical when ambulances carrying patients are caught in traffic congestion. Emergency vehicles are reportedly being forced to wait or manoeuvre through narrow gaps created by improperly parked vehicles, raising concerns over potentially life-threatening delays in reaching hospitals.
HRTC buses and other public transport vehicles also face difficulties negotiating the stretch. At several points, buses are forced to halt for several minutes to allow vehicles coming from the opposite direction to pass. The problem is further aggravated during VIP movement, when traffic restrictions and temporary stoppages can add another five to ten minutes to the journey, causing inconvenience to hundreds of daily commuters.
The issue assumes significance as the Shimla traffic police has launched a drive in the Tutu area against vehicles parked unnecessarily along roadsides. A large number of vehicles were removed during the latest enforcement exercise, with the police making it clear that the campaign will continue on a daily basis.
Traffic authorities have urged motorists to use designated parking spaces and avoid leaving vehicles on roadsides.
Also Read
Totu’s parking woes turn Shimla Airport road into a bottleneck
However, residents and commuters maintain that enforcement alone cannot resolve the problem. They have sought strict compliance with parking provisions in newly constructed multi-storey buildings, creation of adequate public parking facilities and action against construction and commercial establishments that contribute to roadside congestion.
With the Shimla-Airport road witnessing heavy commuter movement, residents fear that unless parking and traffic-management issues are addressed comprehensively, the existing bottlenecks could turn into a serious obstacle for emergency services and public transport.
About the Author
