Over 53,000 Vehicles Flood Murree on Independence Day, Far Exceeding Parking Capacity

Murree witnessed an unprecedented influx of tourists on Independence Day, with over 53,000 vehicles making their way to the popular hill station — far exceeding its 5,000-car parking capacity.

According to a spokesperson for the City Traffic Police Murree, the overwhelming number of visitors posed significant traffic management challenges. However, more than 200 traffic police officers were deployed across the area to ensure smooth movement and assist tourists. Despite the massive turnout, the actual number of cars present at any given time ranged between 6,000 and 9,000, as many visitors left after short stays.

Strict Safety Measures Implemented

To enhance road safety, driving licenses were checked at entry points, and motorcyclists without helmets were denied access. On Independence Day, Mall Road was restricted to families only to ensure a secure environment for pedestrians and shoppers.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Waseem Akhtar and Traffic Officer Murree Sohail Shahzad personally supervised the arrangements. Awareness pamphlets were distributed to promote safe driving practices and compliance with traffic regulations.

Managing Congestion Points

While all main roads remained open and traffic movement was generally smooth, GPO Chowk experienced congestion due to heavy pedestrian activity. Tourists were repeatedly urged to park in designated areas, avoid creating double lanes, and refrain from illegal roadside parking, especially for photography.

Monsoon Safety Advisory for Tourists

With the monsoon season underway, the CTO issued a special safety advisory for visitors. Public service vehicles entering Murree were required to have valid fitness certificates and functional wipers and lights. Tourists were urged to drive at safe speeds on slippery roads, avoid overtaking, and respect one-way traffic rules.

The CTO further reminded visitors that all roads in Murree are two-way and that creating double lines severely disrupts traffic. He emphasized cooperation with traffic wardens, who play a key role in maintaining safety and ensuring a pleasant travel experience.

By combining stringent safety measures, constant patrolling, and direct oversight from senior officers, the traffic police successfully managed one of the busiest tourist days in Murree’s recent history.

Afsheen Gohar

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