Weekend rush leaves Haridwar, Rishikesh in gridlock; residents suggest metro link

Haridwar: Rishikesh and Haridwar are grappling with severe traffic congestion, with long queues of vehicles observed daily at several points, particularly during weekends and peak tourist seasons.In Rishikesh, areas including Nepali Farm, Shyampur Junction, Kora Devi Chowk, Jai Ram Ashram More, Chandrabhaga Bridge, Khara Shroth, Indramani Badoni Chowk, Tapovan Road and the Tapovan–Lakshman Jhula stretch, are among the worst affected.Social activist Ratan Mani Dobhal said the problem has intensified over the past few years due to a surge in tourists and pilgrims visiting for rafting, yoga, camping and other adventure activities. "Traffic congestion has increased significantly in the Rishikesh and Tapovan region. There is only one route to reach Tapovan, which leads to massive jams not only during Char Dham yatra and summer season, but even on the weekends," Dobhal told TOI. He added that tourists from Delhi-NCR and other parts of UP now frequently visit the region, adding to the pressure on the roads.To address the issue, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed a 12km four-lane bypass from Teen Pani to Tapovan, which is expected to ease congestion in Rishikesh.Haridwar, which earlier faced traffic problems similar to Rishikesh, witnessed improvement after the construction of a four-lane highway. However, congestion continues during bathing festivals, including Kanwar Mela, and in the summer season. Several bottlenecks persist in Haridwar at Jawalapur Red Light, Sankar Ashram area, Singh Dwar region and the Saptrishi inner route."Despite the four-lane road, traffic problems remain. The number of four-wheelers is increasing day by day, and road widening alone will not solve the issue in the long run," said social activist JP Badoni. He suggested that connecting Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun through a metro rail network would help ease traffic congestion.Police officials said efforts are underway to manage the situation, but a lack of basic facilities continue to pose challenges. "Additional police teams have been deployed at identified bottlenecks on highways and within the city," SP Haridwar Abhay Singh told TOI. "Routes are diverted during bathing festivals and heavy vehicles are restricted from entering the city."