Darjeeling, June 8: Beacon flashing cars with siren escorts seem to have suddenly swamped Darjeeling, as VIPs from across the country are making a beeline for Darjeeling, avowedly on some official purpose.

The flood of VIPs has also taken the district administration by surprise as harrowed officials can be seen scurrying around town ensuring that the guests? official and sometimes unofficial visits are hassle-free.

Though the district officials refuse to complain on the sudden surge of VIP tourists in town, they admit the number of important people visiting the town has far surpassed the previous figures.

?There is an entire file of VIPs who are visiting Darjeeling this year. More than 100 VIPs have already visited the hill town in May and June,? said an official.

All officials accommodations are chock-o-block till June 15. Important guests usually have their accommodations at the Circuit House, but this year Richmond Hill, Carmichael, Tulip Terrance and even the PWD bungalow are being used.

While the accommodation for very important persons like cabinet secretary B.K. Chaturvedi who recently visited Darjeeling and chief election commission B.B. Tandon who will stay in Darjeeling from Saturday till June 14 are booked at Richmond Hill, the others are being put up at rest of the places.

?Tandon will have a large entourage. Moreover, he will also have a meeting with all the district magistrates of north Bengal during his stay here. Accommodation is really a major concern,? said a district official.

Besides the well-known personalities, a couple of principal secretaries, commissioners of police from other states, high court judges and even sports personalities are visiting the popular tourist spot. The local authorities are also working overtime to ensure security to the important personalities.

?While some are on official visits, the others are merely on pleasure trips. Arrangements have to be made to ensure that VIPs are not harassed even if they are on a holiday,? the official said.

?We also have a couple of ministers from other states here.

?Even if we do not have to bear the expense of the ministers who are not state guests, we have to see they get proper hospitality. Also, such ministers need escorts and we have to definitely look after them well,? he said.