The Himachal Pradesh High Court is escalating its efforts to address the persistent traffic congestion plaguing Shimla, seeking a detailed report from the Chief Secretary on the progress of measures taken over the past year. The court's demand for a fresh affidavit underscores its concern about the lack of significant improvement despite previous directives and proposed solutions.
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, made the observation after reviewing submissions from the amicus curiae appointed to assist the court on this critical issue. The bench noted that an Action Taken Report had been submitted on December 28, 2024, which led to the formation of a committee tasked with addressing parking shortages, improving road infrastructure, strengthening transport enforcement, and decongesting the state capital.
Several ambitious proposals were considered, including a ropeway project, a mass rapid transit system (MRTS), the construction of two tunnels, and the creation of parking facilities at four designated locations. However, the High Court expressed the need to evaluate the tangible progress made since these plans were initially discussed, prompting the request for an updated affidavit from the Chief Secretary.
The court also recognized the importance of the Shimla Smart City Project, under which the ropeway project is being executed, to these proceedings. Consequently, Shimla Smart City Limited, through its Managing Director-cum-CEO, and the Himachal Pradesh Ropeway Transport Corporation, through its Managing Director, have been added as party respondents. These entities are now required to file status reports on the progress of their respective projects.
This latest directive from the High Court stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that brought the issue of traffic congestion in Shimla to the forefront. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 19, 2026.
Shimla has been grappling with increasing traffic woes due to a rising population, a surge in tourism, and inadequate infrastructure. The city's narrow roads, combined with a growing number of vehicles, often lead to gridlock, especially during peak tourist seasons. In the summer of 2025, over three lakh vehicles entered Shimla in just two weeks, exacerbating the already strained traffic situation. The lack of sufficient parking spaces further compounds the problem, with tourists frequently facing parking difficulties and overcharging. The High Court has previously intervened, issuing directives to ease traffic restrictions in certain areas and urging the development of parking facilities. The court has also emphasized the importance of constructing pedestrian walkways and addressing encroachments to improve traffic flow.
