Traffic arrangements in Amer hindering tourism growth

The efforts of the Jaipur district administration and traffic police to manage the increasing number of tourists in Amer are backfiring, potentially sabotaging the central government’s Rs 50 crore plan to boost tourism in the area. As part of traffic management, barricades have been installed from Kunda to Gandhi Chowk, creating a one-way system that forces tourists to take an extra 10 km detour to reach Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts after visiting Amer Palace.

Due to these traffic restrictions, which were put in place to handle the tourist influx during the season, the number of visitors to Amer has significantly dropped. On a typical day during the tourist season, Amer used to welcome 15,000-20,000 tourists. However, this Sunday, only 2,000 tourists were able to visit the area, leading to concerns that the number of visitors will remain low this season.

While the traffic police argue that the barricades are necessary for better management, there has been no planning for alternate routes. This has led to problems for both tourists and locals. Tourists must now take an additional detour of 10 kilometers to reach the forts, a hassle that deters many from continuing their visit. Many tourists are returning without exploring Jaigarh and Nahargarh, affecting local businesses and the overall tourism flow.

Local residents are also bearing the brunt of the situation. Due to the one-way system, they are forced to walk long distances, as low-floor buses no longer operate from Kunda to Gandhi Chowk. Some have to walk up to 5 kilometers to catch a bus, while those visiting the Temple must walk 8 kilometers to reach the temple complex. Local resident Madan Singh Rathore suggested that the administration should reopen the ancient road from Kanak Ghati to the Valley Gate, which was encroached upon for a garden project.

If restored, it could provide an alternative route for tourist vehicles and help ease the traffic congestion. Meanwhile, private jeep owners and e-rickshaw drivers are benefiting from the situation, charging arbitrary fees to transport tourists. These drivers often bypass the official routes, with local residents claiming that this happens with the police’s tacit approval.

Despite the central government’s approval of Rs 50 crore for tourism development in Amer, including plans for a ropeway corridor, local residents are frustrated by the lack of progress. They fear that without proper planning and coordination, the region’s tourism potential will continue to be hindered. Additionally, the restrictions on religious events, like the Chhath fair during Navratri, have also sparked anger among locals, who feel that the administration’s measures are counterproductive.

The ongoing traffic issues in Amer are not only affecting tourism but are also causing significant inconvenience to local residents, who are calling for better planning and the opening of alternative routes to resolve these challenges.