A massive influx of tourists to the world-renowned paragliding destination of Bir-Billing and other nearby attractions has led to severe traffic congestion in Baijnath and Paprola for the third consecutive day, causing significant inconvenience to residents, traders and commuters.
Long queues of vehicles were seen on the Baijnath-Paprola road and across busy market areas as hundreds of tourists from different parts of the country arrived in the region in private vehicles over the weekend. Traffic remained sluggish throughout the day, with motorists spending hours navigating bottlenecks at several key locations.
The situation was particularly chaotic at major intersections, market stretches and entry points leading to Bir-Billing, where traffic volumes far exceeded the available road capacity. Commuters reported that even short journeys within the towns took considerably longer than usual due to persistent gridlocks.
Residents attribute much of the problem to the shortage of designated parking facilities. With limited parking space available, many tourists parked vehicles along roadsides and other unsuitable locations, narrowing carriageways and further worsening congestion. Illegal and haphazard parking in the market areas added to difficulties faced by pedestrians and local motorists.
Shopkeepers and residents said the recurring traffic snarls were disrupting daily life and affecting business activity. According to traders, many customers avoid visiting crowded markets because of parking shortages and traffic delays. Residents also voiced concern over the impact of congestion on emergency services.
Ambulances and other emergency vehicles were reportedly caught in traffic at several locations, underscoring the risks posed by the growing volume of vehicles. Despite continuous efforts by the police personnel deployed on traffic duty, managing the heavy influx remained a challenge. The police were seen regulating traffic at key junctions throughout the day, but frequent bottlenecks persisted.
Local traders and residents have urged the district administration and the police authorities to formulate a comprehensive traffic management plan for the region. They have demanded the deployment of additional traffic personnel during weekends, holidays and peak tourist seasons, when visitor numbers rise sharply.
Residents also stressed on the need for multi-level and satellite parking facilities, stricter traffic regulation measures and improved public transport connectivity to major tourist destinations. They believe such steps would help ease pressure on the narrow roads of Baijnath and Paprola and ensure smoother traffic movement.
The recurring congestion has once again highlighted the growing strain of tourism on the region’s infrastructure. Residents warn that unless long-term measures are implemented, traffic problems along the Baijnath-Paprola corridor and the Bir-Billing tourist circuit are likely to worsen further during weekends and holiday periods.
