Mussoorie, one of Uttarakhand’s most popular hill stations, is now operating under a revised traffic control plan due to the heavy surge in tourist vehicles, particularly over the weekends. With the number of vehicles more than doubling compared to normal days, the district administration and police have introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving traffic flow and ensuring safety. As part of the plan, shuttle services have been launched from three key locations, entry and exit timings at hotels have been regulated, and a detailed diversion plan with increased police presence has been put into effect.
The city, which typically sees about 8,000 vehicles on regular days, is currently witnessing over 15,000 vehicles on weekends. However, Mussoorie’s infrastructure is not equipped to handle such volume. Its 414 hotels and homestays collectively offer parking for only 4,590 vehicles. In response to this mismatch, SSP Ajay Singh announced a multipronged strategy, including restricting vehicle access to the main town and deploying additional police forces at all key diversion points. Barricades and directional signage have also been set up for smoother navigation.
To streamline vehicle movement, three shuttle service plans have been introduced. Under Plan A, traffic from Dehradun heading towards Mussoorie will be directed from Kingreg to Library Chowk and Picture Palace. Plan B involves parking vehicles at Kingreg itself, from where tourists will be taken to their destinations via shuttle buses. This parking facility can accommodate 212 vehicles. In Plan C, vehicles will be parked near Bansie Estate, with shuttle services available from Gajji Bandh, which can hold around 220 vehicles.
The police have significantly ramped up surveillance and monitoring. The number of personnel on duty has been doubled. Real-time traffic updates are being monitored via drones and an integrated CCTV network linked to a local control room. To ensure community cooperation, weekly meetings are being held with local business owners. Furthermore, heavy vehicles, except those providing essential services, are being restricted on weekends, and electronic message boards have been deployed to guide travellers with live updates.
In addition, a highly detailed traffic diversion plan has been issued for both incoming and outgoing traffic. Depending on congestion levels, vehicles from Dehradun to Mussoorie may be redirected via the Shimla Bypass, Ballupur Chowk, and KIMADI Road, passing through Hathipaon and Zero Point. This route, however, remains operational only until 7 PM due to its narrow and isolated stretches. Other rerouting plans include changes near the Tehri Bus Stand, Picture Palace, Library Chowk, Camel Back Road, and Kulari Bazaar, among others. Vehicles from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Doiwala, and other nearby areas may be redirected through longer detours depending on traffic pressure.
Tourists returning from Mussoorie to Dehradun are advised to use routes such as Bataghat–Landour–Barlowganj–Old Mussoorie Road and finally exiting through IT Park and Jogiwala. On weekends, senior officers including COs from Mussoorie and Rajpur Road will oversee round-the-clock traffic supervision. The police have also committed to strict enforcement of rules under “Operation Lagaam,” targeting drunk driving, reckless behaviour, and other traffic violations.
For the safety of tourists, a detailed advisory has also been issued. Visitors are requested to park only in designated spots and maintain controlled speed on hilly roads. Driving under the influence is strictly prohibited. Caution is advised during bad weather due to risks of rain or landslides, and night-time driving on hill roads is discouraged. Tourists have also been warned against taking selfies near cliffs, valleys, or fast-moving water bodies. Furthermore, they are urged to follow all police advisories, avoid leaning out dangerously from sunroofs, and refrain from spreading or acting on rumours.
The administration has also introduced QR codes to provide tourists with real-time information about routes, parking availability, and other local amenities. With this proactive and robust plan, authorities aim to make the tourist experience in Mussoorie safer, smoother, and better coordinated during the high season.
