With tourist numbers soaring in Mussoorie, authorities in Uttarakhand are now asking a critical question: Can the beloved hill station sustain this explosive growth without compromising safety and infrastructure? In response, a new pre-registration system for tourists is being rolled out to manage crowding and traffic during peak travel seasons.
Official figures reveal a dramatic rise in footfall — from over 11 lakh visitors in 2022 to more than 21 lakh in 2024. While this growth has boosted local tourism revenue, it has also resulted in severe congestion, particularly during holidays and long weekends. Lengthy traffic jams and strained emergency services have raised alarm bells.
To address the problem, the Tourism Department is planning a mandatory online registration process for visitors during high-traffic periods. The system, still under development, will require travelers to provide details like travel dates, vehicle information, and accommodation plans. Once registered, tourists will receive a QR code, which must be shown at entry points including Kimadi, Kempty Fall, and Kuthal Gate.
These checkpoints will be fitted with Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to monitor traffic and enforce entry rules. According to officials, tourists who arrive without pre-registering may be turned away during restricted periods.
“Overcrowding isn’t a year-round issue, so the registration system will apply only during the busiest times,” said Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary of Tourism, in a recent statement to The Times of India.
The urgency of this initiative was underscored by a tragic incident in June, when a tourist from Delhi reportedly died after being caught in traffic and unable to access timely medical care. Such events have intensified pressure on the government to find sustainable solutions.
Additional measures, including temporary one-way routes and suspended construction on Mall Road, are also being considered to reduce pressure on Mussoorie’s narrow roads and core areas.
Officials recently met with local business owners and stakeholders to discuss the proposed plan. The goal is clear: maintain Mussoorie’s appeal as a top destination, while protecting the town’s infrastructure, natural beauty, and the well-being of both residents and tourists.
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