Pedestrianism can end traffic woes in Shimla

Tikender Singh Panwar

It is sad to know that the state government and the Shimla district administration have dumped the mobility plan for the capital city. Even the Himachal High Court has ordered the opening of some of the main restricted and sealed roads in Shimla. Mobility in the city is based on pedestrianism. Probably one of the highest pedestrianised cities in India, over 42 per cent commuters in Shimla are pedestrians. Affluent people, who own cars, want wide roads and for that they are prepared even to trample on the basic spirit of the city. The result is that the city witnesses several hours of traffic jams every day.

Some ardent votaries of opening sealed and restricted roads in Shimla argue that it is a colonial legacy and thus should be got rid of. Why the sealed roads be allowed to be used by politicians and bureaucrats? While there is merit in the argument, but the situation is actually inverse. These are ‘urban commons’ for Shimla pedestrians.

High court’s intervention 

The Himachal High Court is once again asking the civic authorities to work out a plan to ease traffic woes of Shimla city. Actually, the focus of the Shimla Municipal Corporation, district police and the district administration is more on enhancing parking facilities in the city. This will further accentuate the problem rather than resolving it. The action must focus on dissuading people from using their private cars and instead use public transport, pool vehicles or simply walk in Shimla city.

Comprehensive mobility plan

The Shimla Municipal Corporation prepared a comprehensive mobility plan in consultation with experts and it was duly approved by the government. The 2015-31 period is earmarked for the mobility plan in the city at an overall investment of Rs 6,000 crore. Any intervention, either by the government or courts, must lay focus on this plan.

Basic points of the plan

The common mobility plan focuses on pedestrian mobility. It is interesting to note that only 25 per cent houses in Shimla city are connected with motorable roads and the civic administration should not try to construct more roads, as it encourages people to buy more cars.

Vertical mobility

The initiative should aim to enhance vertical mobility from the Cart Road to the Mall Road and at several other places. For that a number of escalators and elevators should be constructed. Simultaneously, public transport must be strengthened and there is no need to buy more buses. The construction of two tunnels connecting the lift to Rivoli and to Chotta Shimla on the other side must be pursued immediately.

Is there no money?

Apparently not true. The Shimla Municipal Corporation had approved a detailed project report (DPR) of Rs 1,000 crore, which also got the nod of the state government. It is now lying with the Department of Economic Affairs, Central Government, for the last two years. The Smart City project is one of the sources and then there are many financial agencies to fund it.

(The writer is a former Deputy Mayor of Shimla)