Heavy traffic, congestion choke roads as tourists swamp Himachal hills for Christmas

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Tourists throng in Manali ahead of Christmas and New Year pic.twitter.com/p3fihxNLQb

— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023

On Sunday, an estimated 65,000 people in more than 12,000 vehicles crossed the 9.2-kilometre Atal Tunnel, according to police data. Earlier on Saturday, a press release from the Kullu district police said around 5,000-6,000 vehicles entered Manali.

For Himachal, overcrowding by the tourists is an annual occurrence around Christmas and New Year holidays. Every year, the areas of Manali, Kasol and Banjar/Tirthan Valley expect a significant number of vehicular inflow with tourists flocking to holiday destinations to celebrate a ‘White Christmas’.

On Saturday, Himachal’s Rohtang received heavy snowfall. The Kullu police also stated that the high-altitude areas of Manali, including Atal Tunnel and Rohtang, experienced snowfall on Saturday and the temperature dropped below zero. “On December 23, around 13,000 vehicles crossed ATR and on December 24, around 16,000 vehicles crossed ATR,” the release stated.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “We welcome the tourists who have come in such huge numbers, crossing over lakhs.”

He appreciated the Lahaul & Spiti and Kullu police and said: “I also extend huge applause to the Lahaul & Spiti and Kullu Police for their outstanding dedication in managing a massive influx of 65,000 tourists and 12,000 vehicles at the Rohtang Tunnel, while braving extreme -12°C temperatures. Your tireless efforts and commitment shine through in ensuring a delightful experience for all visitors.”

Himachal Pradesh warmly welcomes all visitors! A heartfelt welcome to all tourists exploring enchanting Himachal Pradesh! From snow-capped peaks to serene valleys, immerse yourselves in the beauty of our state. Our administration and police stand committed to ensuring your visit… pic.twitter.com/ck2jqvah9k

— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) December 24, 2023

Meanwhile, the Lahual and Spiti police carried out a drone surveillance at ATR North portal in Sissu in view of the huge number of tourists arriving here on Christmas and ahead of New Year.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Lahual and Spiti police carry out drone surveillance at ATR North portal in Sissu in view of the huge number of tourists arriving here on the occasion of Christmas and ahead of New Year.

(Source: Lahaul and Spiti Police) pic.twitter.com/UTN7EEX1QV

— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2023

Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu said “lakhs of tourists” have arrived in the state and appealed to them to prioritise safe travel practices and adhere to traffic rules.

— With inputs from PTI and ANI.