Why Shimla’s roads are under restrictions and why residents are protesting

Restrictions on vehicular movement in parts of Shimla have once again come under scrutiny, with advocates protesting over access to roads leading to the Himachal Pradesh High Court and residents raising concerns over permit conditions and increased fees.

On June 3, hundreds of advocates staged a protest demanding permit passes for vehicles accessing a restricted road connected to the High Court. The agitation ended after the state government assured them that a committee comprising Advocate General Anup Rattan, Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Superintendent of Police Shimla and senior advocates would examine the issue. The committee is yet to meet.

On Monday, BJP MP Suresh Kashyap submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, seeking long-term resident passes for people living in areas connected to the network of sealed and restricted roads. He also sought a reduction in permit fees and relaxation of conditions, including the provision limiting one permit pass per house.

What are sealed and restricted roads in Shimla?

Shimla regulates traffic on certain roads under The Shimla Road Users and Pedestrians (Public Safety and Convenience) Act, 2007. The law created two categories of roads within the municipal limits — sealed roads and restricted roads.

The objective is to preserve the pedestrian character of the town’s heritage core, particularly the Mall Road and Ridge area, while ensuring public safety and reducing congestion on the town’s narrow, steep roads.

In 2026, the Act was amended to strengthen penalties for violations and substantially increase permit fees.

Why were these restrictions introduced?

Shimla’s colonial-era road network was not designed to accommodate the volume of vehicles seen today. Heavy tourist inflow, increasing urbanisation and limited road space have led to congestion and safety concerns.

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The restrictions aim to protect pedestrian zones, preserve the town’s heritage character and prevent the Mall Road from becoming a vehicular thoroughfare.

In September 2025, the Himachal Pradesh High Court, while hearing a public interest litigation, observed that Shimla was losing its culture of walking and warned against allowing traffic on sealed roads, saying the town’s heritage charm needed to be restored.

Road restrictions in Shimla have sparked protests from residents. (Express Photo)

Which roads are classified as sealed roads?

Sealed roads are the most protected category. Vehicular movement is generally prohibited except for authorised vehicles holding valid permits.

These include:

Chhota Shimla Chowk to Simla Club (Mall Road)

Lower bifurcation of IGMC to Lakkar Bazar

Jodha Niwas to Ritz

Hotel White to Regal Cinema

Kennedy House Chowk near the Vidhan Sabha to Gorton Castle

SBI Chowk to Central Telegraph Office (Mall Road)

Scandal Point to Kali Bari

US Club Interjunction to Combermere Bridge (Mall Road)

Most of these stretches form part of the Mall Road and adjoining heritage precincts where pedestrian movement takes precedence.

What are restricted roads?

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Restricted roads allow limited vehicular movement under a permit system.

These include:

Kennedy House Chowk to Boileauganj (Mall Road)

Cart Road to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office

Sanjauli Chowk to the lower bifurcation of IGMC via Lakkar Bazar

Forest Lodge (Ramchandra Chowk) to Jodha Niwas via US Club

Cart Road to SBI Chowk (Mall Road)

Chalet Day School near Simla Club to Jodha Niwas Parking

Crossing of Mall Road from the High Court side

These roads serve residential, institutional and administrative areas where a complete ban on vehicles is not considered practical.

Which residential areas are affected?

Several localities fall within or are directly linked to the sealed and restricted road network, including:

Kali Bari area

Jakhu Hill

Lakkar Bazar

US Club area

Ramchandra Chowk

Forest Lodge

Middle Bazaar

Lower Bazaar

Upper Kaithu and Combley Bank area

Benmore

Officials estimate that between 700 and 900 houses are located in these areas, including government accommodation and quarters.

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Business owners operating on the Mall Road and near the Ridge also require permits for vehicle access.

Who is allowed to use these roads?

The rules permit access to:

Residents living within notified areas who possess valid permits

Government officials authorised by the competent authority

Emergency services, including ambulances, fire tenders and police vehicles

Certain essential service vehicles

Individuals granted special permission by the competent authority

Vehicles specifically exempted through government notifications

What changes have been made to the permit system?

The government issues red passes for sealed roads and yellow passes for restricted roads.

Earlier, red passes were issued by the Home Department and yellow passes by the Deputy Commissioner. Now, both categories are issued by the Home Department.

Permit fees have also been increased:

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Annual yellow pass (restricted roads): Rs 5,000

Annual red pass (sealed roads): Rs 10,000

One-day pass for restricted roads: Rs 500

One-day pass for sealed roads: Rs 1,000

The daily pass fee, which was previously Rs 100, has also been revised upward under the amended rules.

Why are residents and advocates objecting?

Residents say the increased fees and restrictions have made daily commuting difficult for people living in the affected localities. They are also opposing conditions such as the limit of one permit pass per household.

Advocates, meanwhile, have sought easier vehicular access to the road leading to the High Court, arguing that restrictions affect legal professionals and litigants visiting the court.

Are there any roads exempt from the permit system?

Yes. Light vehicles can use six designated roads without permits:

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Cart Road (Medical College side) to IGMC

St Bede’s College Chowk to Forest Lodge

Cart Road via Fire Sub-Station, Chhota Shimla

Benmore to Oakover Chowk and across the Mall Road to Oakover Gate

Cart Road near St Edward’s School to Marina Hotel

Cart Road–Annadale via Kennedy House Chowk

These roads provide alternative access routes while maintaining restrictions in Shimla’s core heritage zones.