Author: Akshay Published Date: June 10, 2025
A Joyous Trip Turns Heartbreaking
A leisurely excursion to Mussoorie turned tragic for 62-year-old Kamal Kishore Tandon from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. On Thursday, he reportedly suffered a heart attack while the family’s car was caught in severe traffic congestion on Mussoorie’s narrow roads. Local emergency services couldn’t reach them promptly, leading to a fatal delay.
Ambulance Delays in Narrow Hill Roads
Despite police escorting the car, covering a mere 4 km took over an hour—a journey that would typically take around 10–15 minutes. With no ambulance available locally, Tandon’s family faced an impossible situation, unable to access timely medical support.
Surge in Tourist Influx Fuels Congestion
The incident highlights a larger problem: Mussoorie and nearby hill stations are grappling with extreme traffic jams, especially during long weekends. Previous reports show traffic bottlenecks stretching from Gandhi Chowk to Lal Tibba and Mall Road, often delaying emergency vehicles and essential services.
Family’s Anger and Infrastructure Gaps
Tandon’s family expressed their grief and frustration over the lack of infrastructure. They allege the absence of ambulances and medical facilities, saying their pleas for help were ignored. This has cast a spotlight on the urgent need to address emergency preparedness in popular tourist areas.
A Wake-Up Call for Authorities
This incident serves as a stark reminder for Uttarakhand’s authorities. With hospitals dozens of kilometers away, and winding roads causing frequent traffic snarls, ambulance services need scaling, and access routes must be improved to prevent repeat tragedies.
The tragic death of Kamal Kishore Tandon underscores a critical lapse in hill-station emergency planning. Urgent measures—such as dedicated emergency lanes, additional ambulances, and improved traffic management—are essential to ensure visitor safety in Uttarakhand’s increasingly crowded tourism hubs.