Himachal: Ridge ready to honour Virbhadra
Himachal Pradesh: Unprecedented enthusiasm is looming large in Shimla for the grand unveiling of the statue of the late Virbhadra Singh, six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and a prominent political figure. The event, scheduled to take place on The Ridge on Monday, is a historic moment. After Dr. Y.S. Parmar, Singh will be the second Chief Minister to have his statue installed in the heart of the city. To ensure a smooth conduct of the event, security has been tightened in Shimla, with approximately 400 police personnel deployed. Police have divided the city into five security zones, including from IGMC to Sanjauli via The Ridge, Christ Church to Hotel Shivalik, Scandal Point to CTO and Old Tibetan Market, Mall Road to Lower Bazaar via Lift, and Tikka Bench to Jakhu.
Parking Plan Prepared
In view of the expected crowd of thousands, a special traffic and parking plan has been prepared. Vehicles coming from Theog, Rampur, Rohru, and Chaupal will be parked between the Chalonthi and Dhali bypasses, while light vehicles will have access to the Auckland Tunnel. Vehicles coming from Solan, Arki, Bilaspur, and Shimla (rural) will be directed to parking areas between Boileauganj Crossing, Tawi-Mod, and Chaura Maidan. Movement of transport and utility vehicles within the city will be suspended until 3 p.m. to maintain order. Shimla Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said, “All necessary measures have been taken to ensure public convenience and a peaceful event.”
Stage to Make History
The Ridge, resplendent with decorations and new arrangements, has been transformed into a memorial stage. Thousands of people, from dignitaries to ordinary citizens, are expected to gather to witness the unveiling of a statue of a leader whose political journey shaped Himachal’s modern identity. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had previously directed officials to ensure seamless coordination, a true tribute to the statesman whose presence still resonates in the hills of Himachal.
