Cycle rickshaws on Mussoorie’s Mall Road and Camel’s Back Road are set to be replaced by a fleet of 54 golf carts, as the district administration moves to modernise traffic management in the hill town. An additional 40 golf carts will soon be introduced, taking the total number from the existing 14 to 54.
The district administration arranged Rs 3.36 crore through Corporate Social Responsibility funding to procure the new vehicles. The proposal was submitted to REC Foundation Limited, which approved the financial support under its CSR initiative. Officials stated that the move aims to ease congestion, improve commuter convenience and regulate vehicular movement on key tourist stretches.
Earlier, 14 golf carts had been introduced following efforts by the District Magistrate. The first phase began in December 2024, when four carts were operated by the Municipal Council. Over time, the number increased to 14, and with the upcoming addition, the fleet will expand significantly.
Under the plan, vehicular entry on Mall Road will remain restricted, and golf carts will serve both residents and tourists. The carts will operate on routes earlier covered by cycle rickshaws. Local rickshaw pullers have been trained by company experts to operate the battery-powered vehicles.
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To protect livelihoods, the administration has adopted a two-rickshaw-driver-per-golf-cart model. Officials have stated that the transition will not eliminate traditional workers but instead integrate them into the upgraded transport system. However, the long-term sustainability of the model and maintenance responsibilities will require close monitoring to ensure operational efficiency during peak tourist seasons.
