Leh, Jan 08: The Leh Traffic Police have launched a month-long enforcement and awareness drive aimed at restoring discipline on the streets. What was once a quiet Himalayan town with sparse traffic now finds itself battling congestion, illegal parking, and an alarming rise in road accidents—prompting authorities to intensify checks throughout January under a nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport.
During an interaction with media, a senior traffic official clarified that the exercise is not a routine or symbolic formality. This is not a week-long programme. It is a month-long drive, with continuous checks and focused enforcement,” the officer said, emphasising that regulating traffic in Leh requires persistent effort, not occasional campaigns.
One of the primary focuses of the drive is the increasing influx of old vehicles brought from other states without proper documentation. Traffic Police say many such vehicles—particularly those purchased cheaply from Delhi—are being operated in Leh without transfer papers, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), or valid registrations. These undocumented vehicles are adding to pollution and choking parking spaces.
We are tightening checks and such vehicles may face seizure,” the official stated. The department has also intensified action against vehicles lacking essential papers such as licence, Registration Certificate (RC), and pollution certificate. Despite its small size, Leh has witnessed a steady rise in road accidents over recent years.
With tourism booming and private vehicle ownership increasing sharply, the once-spacious roads now struggle to accommodate the daily rush.
“The town has grown, traffic volume has grown, but the roads remain more or less the same. This imbalance is contributing to frequent accidents,” the officer said to reporters.
Parking Remains a Persistent Challenge
Illegal roadside parking is among the biggest contributors to daily traffic obstruction. Even newly widened stretches appear narrow during peak hours because vehicles occupy both sides of the carriageway.
Localities such as Skalzangling, SNM Hospital road, and Skara Road face daily gridlocks as vehicles stop or park without regulation. The officials say they have repeatedly approached the Municipal Committee, seeking designated parking zones and clearer road markings.
“Without proper parking infrastructure, people park haphazardly. It disrupts smooth movement and creates unnecessary congestion,” a traffic official said.
Night Checks to Curb Drunken Driving
District Police teams continue to maintain night patrols to curb drunken driving. Daytime checks are also carried out based on specific complaints.
Evening traffic jams, especially around commercial areas, often result from buses and private vehicles halting at non-designated points. Authorities say bus operators have been instructed to stop only at marked bus stops.
The Traffic Department leh is urging residents to shift towards public transport, particularly the electric buses introduced in recent years. Officials also recommend carpooling to reduce pollution and vehicle load, though they acknowledge it may not be feasible for all due to security and convenience concerns.
Umar Raina
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