E-pass must for travel to Ooty, Kodaikanal
Starting today, travelers planning to visit Ooty and Kodaikanal must obtain an e-pass, as per a government directive aimed at regulating tourist inflow and protecting the environment in these popular hill stations. This requirement will remain in effect until June 30.
The Madras High Court had initially issued an order on May 7 last year, mandating e-passes to control the number of visitors to Ooty and Kodaikanal. The move was taken in response to environmental concerns, traffic congestion, and excessive pollution caused by heavy tourist footfall. However, local residents were exempted from this rule.
Following a recent directive from the High Court, the e-pass system has been reintroduced from April 1, 2025. Authorities hope this measure will help ensure sustainable tourism, prevent overcrowding, and maintain ecological balance in these fragile hill ecosystems.
According to Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Pavya, the e-pass system will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number of vehicles permitted entry each day. This means tourists must apply in advance to secure their travel permits.
To facilitate enforcement, checkposts have been established at key entry points, where officials will verify e-passes before allowing vehicles to proceed. These checkposts will also feature QR code scanning facilities to speed up the verification process.
Tourists can apply for an e-pass online through the official government portal: https://epass.tnega.org/home
Applicants must provide essential details such as:
Vehicle number, Travel dates, Number of passengers and Accommodation details
Once approved, the e-pass must be presented at the designated checkposts for entry into Ooty or Kodaikanal.