Footfall dwindles in Kodai ahead of e-pass launch

No restriction on tourists; e-pass only for vehicles, clarifies govt

CHENNAI: The state on Sunday clarified that there is no restriction on tourists and business people visiting tourist spots of Kodaikanal and Ooty.

According to the release issued by the state government, “there is no restriction on tourists and business people visiting the tourist spots of Kodaikanal and Ooty. But, the vehicles in which they travel must register for e-pass and travel. Tourists and business visitors can get an e-pass from 6 am on May 6, 2024 onwards by providing relevant information at epass.tnega.org.”

“Foreign travelers can apply online using their e-mail address. Domestic passengers can apply using their phone numbers. They will get an e-pass automatically when they apply. Also, this practice will streamline vehicles and make way for tourists to come and go easily. The concerned District Collectors will follow this procedure from May 7 to June 30, 2024. Tourists are unlikely to face any inconvenience or fear due to this move of e-Pass. Details are given that the public will not be affected in any way due to this e-pass approval,” the release read.

Earlier, keeping in mind the high footfall during the summer season, in order to regularise the arrival of tourists, the Madras High Court has ordered the those visiting Ooty and Kodaikanal to submit their details, vehicle numbers, date of arrival, duration of stay and place of stay in advance through the website and apply for an e-pass.

MADURAI: Even before the enforcement of the e-pass system as mandated by the Madras High Court for outsiders to enter Kodaikanal, the hill station in Dindigul district, the turnout of tourists has significantly dwindled.

Many stakeholders relying on the tourism industry felt that the very announcement of obtaining an e-pass for the tourists to get access to this hill station, cast its shadow over tourism and businesses allied to it.

S Abdul Gani Raja, president, Kodaikanal Hotel and Resort Owners Association, said it’s highly unusual for a holiday weekend in Kodaikanal, which has witnessed fewer tourists on Saturday and Sunday. Only about 25 per cent of rooms have been occupied by vacationing tourists. However, even though the new regulation of e-pass system, which is due to come into effect from May 7 and would remain in force till June 30, the hoteliers and restaurateurs were informed that any number of tourists would be allowed, but only with the possession of e-pass.

Dasprakash, tourist guide, Kodaikanal on Sunday said the lay people would be on the receiving end of the e-pass system as many of them were not aware of it and could hardly be able to obtain assistance to avail this system.

Another guide Vetri said usually roads leading into this hill town would be jam packed especially on weekends, but it was not the case on this weekend and roads are largely traffic free. The occurrence of wildfire on the Upper Hills of Kodaikanal, restriction of tourists to fire struck Poomparai, Mannavanur and Kookal, the conduct of general elections in states across India and finally the impact of the e-pass system

Only about 25 per cent of rooms have been occupied in Kodaikanal, which witnessed fewer tourists this weekend

had ultimately discouraged tourists from accessing Kodaikanal.

Dindigul Collector MN Poongodi on Sunday said e-pass for every vehicle bound for Kodaikanal could be obtained online through ‘epass. tnega.org’. Only after verifying e-passes at a toll gate near Silver Falls, vehicles would be allowed to Kodaikanal. The tollgate personnel would check it through a QR code scan through a mobile app before allowing the vehicles.

E-passes to be issued have been classified into three categories, including local people and vehicles transporting farm produce, essential commodities and cargo vehicles and for tourists.