Public Safety Complaint Raised Over Large Tourist Coaches on Narrow Roads in Chail

The movement of large tourist coaches through narrow roads in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, has raised serious concerns about traffic management, pedestrian safety and emergency vehicle access. Following observations made on 18 October 2026, we submitted a formal public safety complaint requesting an official investigation, verification of tourist vehicle permits and a technical assessment of road suitability along the Kandaghat, Sadhupul, Chail and Kufri corridor.

Traffic Congestion Observed at Chail Main Market

On Sunday, 18 October 2026, severe traffic congestion and obstruction were observed near Chail Main Market, particularly around UCO Bank in Sakori Chail, District Solan, along the Chail to Kufri Road.

The complaint records observations between approximately 1:12 PM and 1:21 PM. Several large tourist coaches were seen negotiating narrow sections of the road, occupying much of the available carriageway and leaving limited space for other vehicles to pass. The restricted road space also affected pedestrians, who had to move close to the large vehicles and adjoining roadside structures. The situation highlighted the difficulties that arise when vehicles of considerable size operate through narrow mountain roads shared by local traffic, tourists and pedestrians.

Photographs taken at the location document the traffic conditions, including large coaches travelling close to retaining walls, buildings and other vehicles. Additional photographs supplied with the complaint record the road conditions later that afternoon.

Photographic Evidence and Vehicles Identified

The incident was documented through photographs, including GPS-tagged images, and a video recording. The evidence shows large tourist coaches using constrained road sections in Chail, where limited clearance presents concerns for the movement of other road users.

Four tourist coaches were identified in the complaint through their registration numbers:

DD01AE9787
DD01T9851
DD01U9467
CH02AA6160

The registration numbers are visible in the supplied photographic evidence. Some of the vehicles also display “All India Tourist Permit” markings.

The photographic records include GPS coordinates around Chail Main Market and the Chail to Kufri Road. The locations recorded in the complaint include:

30.970064° N, 77.197954° E
30.969985° N, 77.197983° E
30.970016° N, 77.197979° E
30.970113° N, 77.197920° E

These records provide supporting information for an official examination of the traffic conditions. However, the registered ownership, vehicle dimensions, seating capacities, fitness certifications and applicable route permissions require verification by the competent transport authorities.

Are Mountain Roads Suitable for Large Tourist Coaches?

The incident raises a wider question about the suitability of narrow mountain roads for large passenger coaches.

The Kandaghat, Sadhupul, Chail and Kufri corridor includes mountainous terrain where road width, gradients, sharp bends and limited passing space require careful consideration.

The movement of large vehicles through restricted sections can create several potential safety concerns:

Traffic obstruction: Large coaches may occupy substantial road space while negotiating narrow stretches and sharp bends.
Emergency access: Congestion may prevent ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency vehicles from passing when required.
Pedestrian safety: Limited space can force pedestrians to move close to heavy vehicles.
Road geometry: Steep gradients, turning radii and restricted shoulders may create operational difficulties for large coaches.
Road capacity: Frequent movement of heavy passenger vehicles may place additional pressure on roads whose suitability for such operations needs technical assessment.

An important distinction must be made between a tourist vehicle holding a valid permit and a particular mountain road being suitable for its operation.

The presence of an All India Tourist Permit marking does not establish that a vehicle is authorised to operate on every road, regardless of applicable restrictions or safety considerations.

We have therefore requested the authorities to examine whether the concerned road sections have been technically assessed for vehicles of the dimensions observed.

Formal Complaint Submitted to Himachal Pradesh Authorities

On 18 October 2026, we addressed a formal public safety complaint to the concerned authorities in Solan, Shimla and the Himachal Pradesh Transport and Tourism Departments.

The representation requested coordinated action by the district administration, police, transport authorities and the agencies responsible for maintaining the affected roads.

Investigation and Verification

We requested the authorities to examine the incident using the supplied photographic evidence, GPS information and any available CCTV recordings.

The complaint also seeks verification of the four identified vehicles, including their registration particulars, ownership, operators, permits, fitness certificates, dimensions and applicable route authorisations.

Technical Road Safety Inspection

A joint inspection involving the Transport Department, Traffic Police and concerned road maintenance agency has been requested for Chail Main Market and the wider Kandaghat, Sadhupul, Chail and Kufri corridor.

The proposed assessment would examine carriageway width, turning radii, road gradients and available passing places to determine the suitability of these roads for large tourist coaches.

We have also requested a review of existing government notifications and restrictions, if any, governing the movement of heavy passenger buses along these routes.

Traffic Regulation and Emergency Access

The complaint calls for practical traffic management measures to prevent obstruction in Chail Main Market.

These include regulated movement of large coaches, designated stopping locations and suitable parking arrangements outside congested road sections.

Particular attention has been requested for maintaining unobstructed access for ambulances, fire services and other emergency vehicles.

Where violations are established through official investigation, we have requested appropriate enforcement under the Motor Vehicles Act and applicable rules.

Written Action Taken Report

We have requested an official acknowledgement of the complaint and a written Action Taken Report outlining the findings, corrective measures and authorities responsible for implementation.

The Superintendent of Police, Solan, has also been requested to forward the representation to the Officer-in-Charge, Chail Police Post, for local enquiry and necessary action.

Responsible Tourism Must Consider Mountain Road Capacity

Tourism plays an important role in Himachal Pradesh, and we recognise the value of developing sustainable tourism infrastructure and improving accessibility for visitors.

However, tourism transport must remain compatible with the physical limitations of mountain roads and the safety requirements of local communities.

The concern raised through this complaint is not about restricting tourism itself. It is about ensuring that the size and movement of tourist vehicles are appropriate for the roads on which they operate.

Road suitability cannot be assessed through permit status alone. It also requires consideration of actual road geometry, traffic conditions, pedestrian movement and the ability of emergency services to reach communities without unnecessary obstruction.

Responsible tourism depends on recognising these limitations and taking preventive measures before avoidable incidents occur.

Seeking Preventive Action for Safer Mountain Roads

The conditions documented in Chail highlight the need for coordinated examination of tourist transport operations on narrow mountain roads.

We have requested the competent authorities to assess the evidence, establish the applicable vehicle and route requirements, conduct the necessary technical inspections and introduce appropriate measures wherever justified.

The objective is to support safer movement for residents, visitors, pedestrians and emergency services while ensuring that tourism continues in a responsible manner.

Protecting public safety and recognising the carrying capacity of mountain infrastructure are essential parts of sustainable tourism development in Himachal Pradesh.