PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The shuttle service, which was operational during the winter season in Mussoorie, will be resumed soon for tourism in the summer season. The Dehradun district administration has decided to continue the structured shuttle service using golf carts, aiming to improve traffic flow and provide better transport access for tourists, the district magistrate Savin Bansal said. He has directed officials to set up service counters at key locations, including Kingcraig, to support the functioning of the shuttle system.
In a meeting held on Sunday to review preparations for the upcoming tourist season, the DM instructed departments to ensure that all necessary arrangements are completed on time. He emphasised coordination among the Mussoorie municipal council, police and Transport department to designate authorised parking areas and identify locations for expanded vehicle parking. Helpdesks and shuttle parking areas will be arranged at Library Chowk and Picture Palace and a token system will be introduced for shuttle management.
He informed that the administration will install signboards and markers along the route from the Mussoorie diversion in Dehradun to the Kingcraig parking area to guide tourists. Police and transport officials have been directed to mark designated parking zones, including areas near Hathipaon Bend. Hotels in Mussoorie will allocate parking as per their capacity and provide guidance to authorised taxi operators.
Bansal also ordered the removal of encroachments from roads and instructed the Peyjal Nigam to hand over completed works on Camel Back Road for inspection. The respective sub divisional magistrate and municipality executive officer will jointly inspect the area and penalties will be imposed if construction quality is found lacking. The Public Works Department has also been directed to complete pending work on a section of Motilal Nehru Road and re-mark areas at Ghazzi Bend.
The DM informed that the administration has already provided 14 new golf carts to the municipal board, which have contributed to easing congestion on Mall Road and generating employment for locals. Additional tourist facilities, including inquiry counters, restrooms, waiting areas and food outlets, will be established at designated stops. The Food and Civil Supplies officer has been asked to relocate gas delivery vehicles currently parked near the Kingcraig parking area.
Bansal claimed that the municipality has sufficient funds for these developments but if required, district planning funds will also be used. All departments have been instructed to restore essential services and finalise tourism-related preparations ahead of the summer season. Senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh was also present in the meeting.
