Shimla, February 11
The Himachal police have set up three traffic-cum-tourist police stations (TTPS) at Baghed in Bilaspur district, Nerchowk in Mandi district and Bhuntar in Kullu district to ensure smooth movement of traffic on the Kiratpur-Manali national highway.
The staff at these police stations would extend assistance to visitors, handle traffic congestion, perform rescue operations in case of road accidents. At present, these police stations are operational and effectively performing the tasks assigned to them.
Vehicular movement on the national highway has increased after the opening of the Atal Tunnel. Around 65,000 tourists visited the tunnel, with more than 12,000 vehicles, during the Christmas-New Year celebrations.
The police personnel shall be deployed at and around the tourist attractions and spots prone to overcrowding, especially during the tourist season. Mobile patrolling will also be ensured to check incidents of road rage and hooliganism as there have been several incidents of road rage and clashes between tourists and locals in the area.
A police official said the creation of these specialised police stations underscored the government’s commitment to prioritise public safety and promote tourism. He added that the staff would also intervene in cases where tourists were involved in drug trafficking or consumption.
The staff would guide tourists about accommodation, entry/exit, special permits, social and cultural taboos, and other local conditions. They would also assist tourists in currency exchange and immigration issues.
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