Mussoorie authorities are planning to introduce a mandatory pre-registration system for tourists visiting the popular hill station, aiming to ease severe traffic congestion and overcrowding.
Tackling Tourist Overload in Mussoorie
The picturesque town of Mussoorie has seen a dramatic increase in visitors, with tourist numbers soaring to over 21 lakh in 2024, a significant jump from 11 lakh in 2022. This surge has led to persistent traffic jams and overcrowding, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
The situation has become so critical that a tragic incident occurred in June, where a tourist from Delhi reportedly died after being stuck in traffic and unable to reach medical assistance in time. This highlights the urgent need for a more organized approach to managing tourist flow.
How the Pre-Registration System Will Work
Under the proposed system, visitors will need to register online before they arrive in Mussoorie. This registration will require them to provide details such as the number of tourists in their group, contact information, vehicle specifics, their accommodation plans, and the duration of their stay.
Once registered, tourists will receive a unique QR code. This code will be essential for entry into Mussoorie, as access may be denied at three primary checkpoints: Kimadi, Kempty Fall, and Kuthal Gate. Indian tourists will complete the process via an OTP sent to their phones, while foreign visitors will receive their QR code through email.
To further streamline entry and ensure compliance, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at these main gates. Vehicles without a valid pre-registration may be turned away, according to officials.
Focus on Peak Seasons
Uttarakhand’s Secretary (Tourism), Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, clarified that this mandatory pre-registration will not be a year-round requirement. Instead, it will be implemented specifically during peak seasons, holidays, and weekends when tourist inflow is highest and congestion is a major issue.
Before rolling out the system, the tourism department plans to study and assess the situation more thoroughly. Teams will install cameras at key entry points to estimate the actual tourist and vehicle inflow during busy periods. This data will help in fine-tuning the system and exploring other solutions, such as establishing one-way routes for entry and exit.
Addressing Local Concerns
The ongoing traffic woes have also drawn attention from local stakeholders. Construction activities on Mall Road, a major thoroughfare, have been temporarily halted following a court order due to concerns that they could exacerbate congestion.
Sandeep Sahni, president of the Mussoorie Hotel Association, emphasized that overcrowding and traffic are recurring problems requiring a permanent solution. The tourism department recently held a meeting with stakeholders to discuss effective implementation strategies for these new measures.
- Mussoorie plans a mandatory online pre-registration system for tourists.
- The system aims to alleviate severe traffic and overcrowding during peak seasons.
- Visitors will need a QR code for entry, verified at three main checkpoints.
- ANPR cameras will be used to screen vehicles at entry points.
- The initiative is focused on high-traffic periods, not year-round implementation.
These proactive steps aim to preserve Mussoorie’s charm while ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable experience for both visitors and residents alike.
