Explore multi-storey parking at Lakkar Bazaar amid rising traffic: HC to Shimla MC

Shimla: Noticing the flow of traffic in Shimla due to increasing number of vehicles entering the state capital, the Himachal Pradesh high court has directed the Shimla municipal corporation to explore the possibility of constructing a multi-storey parking facility near Lakkar Bazaar.The HC has also directed the traffic wing of the Shimla police to continue strict action against idle and abandoned vehicles parked along roadsides, observing that such vehicles severely hamper smooth traffic movement in the hill town. The division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi issued these directions during the hearing of ongoing public interest litigations (PILs) related to traffic management and urban infrastructure in Shimla.The court observed that the existing proposal for parking for 18 cars near the upcoming lift project at Lakkar Bazaar would be insufficient considering the anticipated rise in vehicular movement once the lift facility connecting the historic Ridge from the Rivoli road becomes operational. Referring to the existing seven-storey parking facility near the Cart Road lift on the other side of the Ridge, which can accommodate around 700 vehicles, the bench remarked that similar infrastructure would be required on the Lakkar Bazaar side as well.During the hearing, the municipal corporation informed the court that the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation and the Shimla Smart City Mission were necessary parties in the matter because of their involvement in the installation of two lifts and related infrastructure projects in the area. Therefore, the court impleaded both agencies as respondents and sought their responses.The affidavit by the senior superintendent of police (SSP), Shimla, highlighted enforcement measures undertaken by the traffic police against illegal and haphazard parking. The court was informed that between July 25 and Nov 1, 2025, the traffic wing issued 92 warning slips to owners of idle-parked vehicles, removed 65 such vehicles and issued 97 challans in Sanjauli's Dhingu Dhar area alone. Overall, 30,400 challans for idle parking were issued across Shimla city between January and Oct 2025. Appreciating the efforts of the traffic police, the bench directed authorities to continue action against abandoned vehicles.The Shimla municipal corporation also informed the court that encroachment drives at Lakkar Bazaar faced resistance from some street vendors. It was informed that Rs 53,000 was recovered as compounding fees from encroachers and unauthorised vendors, while certain individuals involved in disrupting the drive were issued warnings. The court clarified that police assistance could be sought during future anti-encroachment drives.