Mussoorie:

A major transformation is coming to the iconic Mall Road of the Queen of the Hills. The Mussoorie Municipal Council has decided to gradually replace traditional cycle rickshaws with battery-operated golf carts and e-rickshaws in an effort to improve tourist mobility and beautification.

Executive Officer Gaurav Bhasin stated that initially around 40 golf carts will be introduced. A rehabilitation and compensation plan is also being prepared for approximately 121 rickshaw workers whose livelihoods depend on the existing system.

While the administration sees the move as modernization, residents, traders and citizens have expressed sharply divided reactions — raising questions about safety, heritage, infrastructure and employment.

Concerns Over Safety, Parking and Overcrowding

Local trader Saurabh Singhal questioned the feasibility of the plan:

“Where will these golf carts be parked? Running so many carts will ruin the beauty of Mall Road. Drivers already drive recklessly and carry passengers beyond capacity. If an accident happens, who will be responsible? The golf carts neither have insurance nor commercial permits. Only 2–3 carts should be allowed, strictly for senior citizens and differently-abled people.”

Many locals also fear the road — historically pedestrian-friendly — may gradually turn into a vehicular corridor.

Citizens Say Transport Needed — But Carefully

Social worker Nidhi Bahuguna took a more balanced position:

“The truth is viable public transport is needed. Let something start. Policies can be flexible according to public response.”

Her view reflects a section of residents who believe Mussoorie cannot remain frozen in time and must adapt to rising tourist footfall — but cautiously.

Infrastructure First, Then Modernization?

Residents also highlighted ground realities.
Vikram Zutshi pointed toward the current condition of nearby walking routes:

“For tourists it will become an adventurous ride on Camel’s Back — potholes, gravel, broken stretches everywhere. Another attraction added to Mussoorie…”

He added sarcastically:

“Beautiful sighting of dumped trash, friendly dog gangs and stinking washrooms — wah!”

Livelihood Question Still Central

The biggest concern remains the future of families dependent on rickshaws.
For decades, human-powered rickshaws have been part of Mussoorie’s identity — not just transport but heritage.

Though the administration has promised rehabilitation and compensation, details of employment alternatives remain unclear.

A Town at a Crossroads:

The proposal highlights a deeper dilemma faced by hill stations across India:

Should heritage towns modernize for comfort — or preserve their slow, human-scale character?

For tourists, golf carts may mean convenience.
For workers, it could mean displacement.
For Mussoorie, it may redefine the very experience of walking its famous Mall Road.

The debate has only begun.