Civic body proposes 50% hike in horse riding rates

The Municipal Corporation of Shimla plans to increase horse riding rates at the historic Ridge by 50%. The proposal follows requests from horse owners and comes after the civic body installed rate lists to curb overcharging complaints. Currently, horse riding costs Rs 50 per child, Rs 80 per adult and Rs 150 per couple, with an additional Rs 50 for taking pictures while riding.

The Finance Contract and Planning Committee (FCPC), led by Mayor Surender Chauhan, discussed the matter during a meeting. A final decision will be made in the upcoming General House meeting.

In another initiative, the corporation has decided to monetise rain shelters across Shimla by offering them for advertisements. The town has approximately 82 rain shelters, which will be leased to companies and organisations for displaying ads on LED boards.

Mayor Chauhan announced that tenders for this project will be issued soon, with the rate slabs for rentals under consideration. He emphasised that the initiative aims to generate additional revenue while enhancing the town’s aesthetics. “This will also help reduce littering, as many people stick posters on the rain shelter walls,” he added.

Additionally, the Corporation plans to issue tenders for 147 advertising sites across the town to boost its income further. Both measures are part of the civic body’s efforts to enhance its financial resources while addressing key issues such as beautification, cleanliness, and regulation of public services.