Plan afoot to regulate tourist influx in Murree

CTP deploys 163 traffic wardens to manage traffic in popular hill resort

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi City Traffic Police expedited efforts to manage tourist influx in Murree ahead of the season’s first snowfall.

According to a CTP spokesperson, 163 traffic wardens have been deployed at all important points of Murree to regulate traffic and facilitate the tourists. Moreover, heavy traffic would be banned in the city, he added.

He said an emergency helpline number has also been introduced to facilitate tourists. He mentioned that citizens with complaints could contact the police round the clock. Additionally, the helpline centre was functioning as a control room, offering various facilities to tourists and authorities were exerting maximum efforts to handle any untoward situations.

He mentioned that designated areas had been allocated for car parking. Various key roads such as Kashmir Point, Mall Road, Guldana Road, and others had been restricted to one-way traffic. He urged tourists to collaborate with the traffic police to prevent traffic congestion, especially during the snowfall season.

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He acknowledged that while snowfall enhances the beauty of Murree, attracting numerous visitors, this surge in tourism also brings along various challenges.

The increased influx often leads to traffic issues, causing slow movement due to slippery roads caused by the wet snow.

He informed that two traffic control rooms at Jinnah Hall Murree and Sunny Bank had been established to facilitate the tourists. According to a commissioner’s office spokesperson, Murree district administration on the directives of the Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta had set up 13 centres at Satara Meel, Lower Topa, Jika Gali, GPO, Kashmir Point, Kuldana, Kali Matti, Masiyari, Sindhan, Sunny Bank, Bhorban, Thanda Jungle, and Saharbagla to facilitate the tourists.

The commissioner had also directed the authorities concerned to provide all possible facilities to the tourists during snowfall season. He said traffic congestion was the biggest problem in Murree. Emphasising the pivotal role of the police and traffic wardens, he underscored its utmost importance and issued directives to ensure the completion of all necessary arrangements for the upcoming snowfall season.

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He mentioned the activation of 13 SMDs (Surface-Mounted Devices) within the Murree city, displaying public service messages aimed at informing tourists. Additionally, the Tourism Department set up a 24/7 helpline to provide guidance and updates on weather and traffic conditions to tourists. To monitor vehicle entry into the city, digital counting mechanisms were installed at the Satra Meel Toll Plaza. Furthermore, he said 26 CCTV cameras had also been installed on all the main roads to monitor the traffic situation.

According to Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, all the departments were put on high alert in view of the forecast of snowfall in the coming days. Traffic Police Murree has also acquired the frequency of FM 88.6 to update tourists while a special website would also be activated soon for the convenience and awareness of the tourists.

The DC further said the website would enable tourists to stay updated regarding the latest weather information, traffic conditions at various intersections, details related to hotels, and other necessary updates before travelling to Murree.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2024.