Tourist maneuvers Mahindra Thar SUV through river to escape Himachal traffic gridlock

The festive season has swelled the roads in Himachal Pradesh, causing significant traffic snarls as holidaymakers flock to the state's hill stations for Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, amidst the chaos, a tourist devised an unconventional solution to escape the congestion - opting for a river route instead of the roads.

In a striking video, a tourist was captured maneuvering a Mahindra Thar SUV across the Chandra river in Lahaul Valley. The daring move drew attention as the vehicle navigated through the river's waters. Fortunately, the river's water levels were manageable; otherwise, the drive could have posed serious risks. Despite the awe the video stirred online, locals expressed disapproval of the action. Authorities took swift action in response, issuing a challan to the SUV driver. SP Mayank Chaudhry stated, "A recent viral video showed a Thar crossing the river Chandra in District Lahaul Spiti. The vehicle has been charged under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. To prevent similar offenses, district police have stationed personnel at the site."

The Lahaul to Manali route faced severe congestion due to a tourist's unconventional action of driving their car into the river. Manali, nestled in Kullu district, is currently a tourist magnet, attracting visitors keen on experiencing Christmas festivities and witnessing Lahaul Valley's snowy landscapes.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Challan issued after a video of driving a Thar in Chandra River of Lahaul and Spiti went viral on social media.

SP Mayank Chaudhry said, "Recently, a video went viral in which a Thar is crossing the river Chandra in District Lahaul Spiti. The said… pic.twitter.com/V0a4J1sgxv — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2023

Over the last three days, approximately 55,000 vehicles traversed the Atal tunnel in Rohtang, connecting Kullu, Lahaul, and Spiti. Social media is abuzz with numerous videos depicting long queues of vehicles stretching along the roads. While the tourist influx is a boon for the hospitality industry, it poses a considerable challenge for local authorities. Managing such a surge is straining for the administration, raising concerns about its potential impact on the fragile ecology and susceptibility to natural disasters in the region.

Sanjay Kundu, the Director General of Police in Shimla, issued an appeal to tourists, urging them to prioritize safe travel practices and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.

Officials highlighted that more than a million tourists are expected to visit the area, making responsible travel practices crucial for maintaining order and preserving the region's natural integrity.Authorities anticipate the entry of over 1 lakh vehicles into Shimla this week as the city gears up for New Year celebrations. Police data reveals approximately 60,000 vehicles currently parked along the city's roadsides. On an average weekday, around 12,000 vehicles enter Shimla, and this number escalates to over 26,000 on weekends, particularly during the peak tourist season.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu affirms that the state is effectively "managing the situation." As the influx of vehicles poses logistical challenges and strains existing infrastructure, efficient management becomes paramount to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and a positive experience for both residents and visitors during the festive season.

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