The Dharamshala administration has rolled out a transformative parking system, banning roadside parking on major routes and restricting vehicles to designated yellow-striped zones. This initiative aims to streamline traffic flow, enhance public convenience, and instill greater discipline on the city’s bustling roads.
The directive, issued by District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa, follows recommendations from a joint committee comprising key officials, including the superintendent of police, municipal corporation commissioner, additional superintendent of police, and sub-divisional magistrate. The committee conducted an in-depth review of Dharamshala’s Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) to address the growing challenges of urban mobility in this popular hill station, frequented by tourists and locals alike.
Under the new system, parking is strictly prohibited on several critical road stretches to ensure smoother traffic movement. These include routes such as Education Board to Degree College Chowk, Chilgadi Bifurcation to Khanna Clinic, Kachhari Chowk to Bharat Optical, Hanuman Temple to HPCA Stadium, KCC Chowk to Police Line, Baba Medical Store to Charan Bazaar, Maximus Mall to Kali Mata Temple, Kotwali Bazaar to Indrunag Temple link road, Red Cross Chowk to Sheela Petrol Pump, and Dari Bypass to Dari Post Office, among others. Violators risk penalties as the administration cracks down on illegal parking.
Also Read: Vijay Receives Grand Welcome In Tiruchirappalli Before Poll Campaign Launch
To further optimize traffic flow, two key roads—Khanna Clinic to Hotel Centre Point and Kanya Vidyalaya Depot Bazaar to BSNL District Court Complex—have been converted into one-way routes. This change is expected to reduce bottlenecks and improve accessibility in high-traffic areas.
Emergency service vehicles, including those used for medical emergencies, firefighting, and law enforcement, are exempt from these restrictions to ensure uninterrupted critical operations. The administration has emphasized that these exemptions are crucial to maintaining public safety while implementing the new system.
To support the rollout, the Public Works Department has been directed to install clear one-way indicators within two weeks to guide drivers effectively. Meanwhile, the municipal corporation faces a tight timeline: within three weeks, they must mark the designated yellow-striped parking zones across the city, and within four weeks, they are required to submit a comprehensive parking management plan to ensure long-term sustainability of the initiative.
District Magistrate Bairwa has also mandated that the superintendent of police submit a monthly compliance report to monitor the system’s effectiveness and address any challenges. “This initiative is a game-changer for Dharamshala,” Bairwa stated. “Our goal is to decongest busy roads, make commuting easier for residents and visitors, and foster a culture of traffic discipline. These measures will remain in place until further notice, and we urge everyone to cooperate for the greater good.”
The new system comes as Dharamshala grapples with increasing vehicular traffic, driven by its status as a tourist hotspot and the administrative headquarters of Kangra district. Locals have long complained about chaotic parking and frequent gridlocks, particularly during peak tourist seasons. The administration hopes this overhaul will not only ease congestion but also enhance the city’s appeal as a well-organized destination.
Residents and business owners have mixed reactions. While some welcome the move for its potential to reduce traffic snarls, others worry about the availability of sufficient parking spaces in the designated zones. The municipal corporation’s forthcoming parking management plan will be critical in addressing these concerns and ensuring the system’s success.
As Dharamshala embarks on this ambitious traffic reform, all eyes are on the administration to deliver a seamless transition and a more navigable city for everyone.
Also Read: Nepal Supreme Court Says Judicial Records Nearly Lost In Student Protests