E-Pass Requirement Extended for Tourists in Kodaikanal and Ooty

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced an indefinite extension of the e-pass requirement for tourists traveling to the prominent hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty. This regulation, initially implemented in May 2024, continues to serve as a means for managing the influx of tourists and gathering crucial data to aid future infrastructural planning.

According to official sources, the extension was made to ensure the control of tourist traffic, primarily for data collection rather than restricting visitor numbers. The e-pass system applies to all vehicles not registered within the Nilgiris District. However, local vehicles and those utilizing government buses are exempted from this requirement.

The decision to continue the e-pass requirement was endorsed by the Madras High Court. It is intended to facilitate research by academic experts from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) and the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B). These experts are engaged in assessing the carrying capacities of the ghat roads leading to these hill stations, contributing towards sustainable tourism infrastructure.

To obtain an e-pass, travelers are required to visit the official Tamil Nadu government website at epass.tnega.org. The application process necessitates providing details such as the number of passengers, vehicle type, fuel type, dates of entry and exit, and the purpose of the visit. Upon submission, a QR-coded e-pass is generated for presentation at entry points into Kodaikanal and Ooty. This system aims to simplify the travel process while aiding in the strategic development of these tourism hotspots.

The extended requirement is part of the government’s proactive approach to managing tourism in Tamil Nadu’s famous hill stations, ensuring the regions remain accessible while sustaining their environmental and infrastructural needs.