DEHRADUN: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan chaired a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday to review and accelerate infrastructure development and civic amenities in Mussoorie. The meeting focused on improving road connectivity, addressing traffic congestion, and enhancing facilities for both residents and tourists.
The Chief Secretary designated the Urban Development Department as the nodal agency for overseeing infrastructure projects in Mussoorie. Expressing concern over growing traffic congestion, he emphasized the urgent need to improve alternative routes to ease pressure on existing roads. He issued specific directives for widening and upgrading key roads such as Jhadipani Road, Camel’s Back Road, Landour Road, and Khattapani Road. Funding for these roadworks will be provided through the Nagar Palika, he added.
Highlighting the need for better internal mobility, Bardhan instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive internal connectivity plan for Mussoorie. He called for a survey to explore the feasibility of ropeway transport, which could offer an eco-friendly alternative for local travel. He also directed the revival of the previously operated golf carts to reduce traffic on the Mall Road and improve local commuting options.
To boost tourism, the Chief Secretary instructed officials to identify and develop new tourist destinations in and around Mussoorie. Areas like Jhadipani Falls, Shikhar Falls, and Mossy Falls were cited as potential sites for development. He also encouraged the creation of trekking routes and stressed the importance of continuously identifying new attractions to diversify the region’s tourism offerings.
In light of the increasing tourist footfall, Bardhan directed officials to identify suitable locations for new parking facilities. He underscored that parking structures should be planned in a way that preserves the natural beauty and scenic views of the hill station. He specifically ordered the early operationalization of the King Craig parking facility.
Further, the Chief Secretary proposed the installation of solar street lights to ensure uninterrupted lighting even during power outages. He also directed that the eco-toll tax on the Mussoorie road be integrated with FASTag to streamline toll collection and reduce congestion.
Senior officials present during the meeting included Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretaries Nitesh Kumar Jha, Sachin Kurve, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, and District Magistrate Dehradun Savin Bansal, among others.
