Dharamshala (Arvind Sharma) |
In a major step towards streamlining traffic movement in Dharamshala, District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa has ordered the implementation of a new parking system. The move follows recommendations of a joint committee comprising the Superintendent of Police, Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Additional SP (LR), and SDM Dharamshala, after reviewing the city’s Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS).
As per the new system, roadside parking on all major routes of Dharamshala has been completely banned. Parking will now only be permitted at designated sites marked with yellow stripes by the Municipal Corporation.
Among the stretches where roadside parking is prohibited are: 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.
Meanwhile, yellow-striped parking zones have been marked at multiple locations, including Education Board to Shahid Smarak, Khanna Clinic to Hotel Center Point (backside), Kanya Vidyalaya Depot Bazaar to BSNL Court Complex, Bharat Optical to Forest Officers’ Colony, IPH Office to Kainchi Mor, Gandhi Vatika to Bus Stand, McLeodganj Bypass to Hotel Musafir, Cantt Road Kali Mata Temple to Rain Shelter, and Gupta Tent House (Dari) to Shiv Mandir near Manjhi Bridge. These spaces will accommodate 8–30 vehicles each, depending on road width.
The road from Khanna Clinic to the back side of Hotel Center Point and the road from Kanya Vidyalaya Depot Bazaar to near BSNL District Court Complex, where about 20 light motor vehicles can be parked. This road will be used as one-way only for traffic coming upwards
Special provisions have also been made for two-wheeler parking, such as the stretch from Kachhari Chowk (Wine Shop) to Dhogru Sweets.
The District Magistrate clarified that emergency service vehicles and law-and-order duties will remain exempt from these restrictions. To ensure smooth implementation, the HPPWD has been instructed to install one-way indicators within two weeks, while the Municipal Corporation must mark yellow-striped zones within three weeks and prepare a detailed parking management plan within four weeks. The Superintendent of Police will submit a monthly compliance report.
“This initiative has been taken to decongest busy roads, improve public convenience, and ensure better traffic discipline,” said Bairwa, adding that the order will remain in force until further notice.
