Unmetalled road adds to traffic woes in Dharamsala

The Bhagsunag-Dushalini-Kirpumod-Dharamsala road, envisioned to ease traffic congestion in upper Dharamsala, remains unmetalled despite over two years since earthwork was completed. Without metalling, the road is unusable for vehicular traffic, leaving residents and tourists grappling with severe jams.

Local hoteliers in Bhagsunag have expressed frustration, citing that the influx of tourists during peak seasons exacerbates traffic issues. Tourists heading to Bhagsunag and the McLeodganj area often find themselves stranded in long queues, tarnishing the region’’’’s reputation as a tourism hotspot. They argue that if this road were completed, tourists could bypass McLeodganj on their way back to Dharamsala, significantly alleviating congestion.

Ashwani Bamba, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Kangra, criticized the inaction, stating that multiple representations to the Public Works Department (PWD) had yielded no results. He urged authorities to complete the road, emphasizing its potential to transform the region’’’’s traffic scenario.

PWD Executive Engineer Pankaj Sood acknowledged the delay, promising to investigate the reasons behind the stalled work. He noted that the road would likely be completed under the NABARD or PMGSY schemes.

Traffic congestion is a persistent issue in Upper Dharamsala, with several key road projects remaining incomplete for decades. Locals and hoteliers report that critical roads connecting Bhagsunag to Indrunag, Dharamkot to Naddi, and Bhagsunag to Jogibara Road have been languishing in limbo for over 40 years. Officials from the PWD, speaking anonymously, blamed delays on funding shortages and pending permissions from the forest department.

The iconic McLeodganj Square, a hub connecting seven roads, is ill-equipped to handle vehicular load, accommodating only ten vehicles at a time. Bhagsunag, home to a famous temple and spring, is accessible via a single narrow road with parking for just 50 cars. Yet, weekends see over 1,000 vehicles arriving, creating chaos.

Without swift action to complete these road projects, Upper Dharamsala risks continued damage to its tourism appeal, leaving locals and visitors stuck in gridlock.