Mussoorie may soon require tourists to pre-register visits to tackle overcrowding, traffic jams

By Martin Shwenk Leade

Mussoorie may soon require tourists to pre-register visits to tackle overcrowding, traffic jams

Authorities in Uttarakhand are planning to introduce a mandatory pre-registration system for tourists visiting Mussoorie during peak seasons, in a bid to address growing concerns over traffic snarls and overcrowding. The move follows a steep rise in tourist numbers, over 21 lakh visitors in 2024, compared to around 11 lakh in 2022, officials said, as reported by TOI.Under the proposed system, tourists will need to register online before arriving, provide their details, and obtain a QR code for entry. Without this code, access may be denied at three major checkpoints: Kimadi, Kempty Fall, and Kuthal Gate.鈥淭he problem of overcrowding and long traffic jams is only during the peak season, so there’s no point having a year-round pre-registration system. Our teams are working on introducing the concept during those times,鈥 said Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary (Tourism), Uttarakhand. He said the department will first estimate tourist and vehicle inflow during holidays and weekends by installing cameras at the main entry points.The pre-registration form will collect data such as the number of tourists, their contact and vehicle details, accommodation, and tour duration. Indian tourists will receive a one-time password (OTP) on their phones to complete the process, while foreign tourists will get it via email. Once registration is complete, tourists will be issued a QR code that will be verified at the checkpoints.To support the system, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be deployed to screen vehicles at the entry gates. Those without valid registration may be turned away, officials said.Live EventsThe traffic congestion in Mussoorie has become a growing concern, particularly during weekends and holiday periods. In one tragic incident in June, a tourist from Delhi died after being stuck in a jam and unable to reach medical help in time.The tourism department met with stakeholders on Friday to discuss implementation strategies. 鈥淭hrough this exercise, we intend to study, assess the situation and then take effective steps like pre-registration or having one-way roads for entry and exit,鈥 Garbyal said.Meanwhile, construction activity on Mall Road has been halted following a court order, amid fears it could worsen the congestion. Hoteliers and local business owners have also flagged concerns. 鈥淭his is a recurring problem that needs a permanent solution,鈥 said Sandeep Sahni, president of the Mussoorie Hotel Association.With inputs from TOI(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

Read More News onMussoorie tourism registrationUttarakhand tourist entry QR codeMussoorie traffic jamsUttarakhand tourist management systemTourist safety in MussoorieANPR cameras MussoorieMussoorie Hotel AssociationUttarakhand Tourism Departmentmussoorie

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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onMussoorie tourism registrationUttarakhand tourist entry QR codeMussoorie traffic jamsUttarakhand tourist management systemTourist safety in MussoorieANPR cameras MussoorieMussoorie Hotel AssociationUttarakhand Tourism Departmentmussoorie(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless

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