Kodaikanal And Ooty E-Pass Extended; Here’s All You Need To Know About It

Are you planning a family trip to Kodaikanal or Ooty during the festive holiday season? You should note that the e-pass requirement for travelling to Kodaikanal and Ooty has been extended beyond the previously set deadline of September 30 and is now in effect until further notice. This requirement applies to all vehicles without Nilgiris District registration numbers, meaning tourists driving to these popular hill stations must obtain an e-pass before entering the Nilgiri hills. However, vehicles registered within the district and those using government buses are exempt from this rule.

The Need For An E-Pass

The e-pass system was first implemented by the Tamil Nadu government in May 2024. The Madras High Court took decisive action in response to increasing concerns over traffic congestion in Tamil Nadu's popular hill stations, Ooty and Kodaikanal. A status report revealed that over 20,000 vehicles entered Nilgiris daily, including 11,500 cars and 6,500 two-wheelers during peak season. In light of this, the court directed the District Collectors to create an online system for issuing e-passes. These passes will be required for entry, ensuring controlled access and relieving traffic on congested roadways.

Keeping Tabs On Numbers

The e-pass system was implemented with the primary objective of collecting essential data on the total number of vehicles entering a specific area, the precise count of passengers within these vehicles, and the duration of their visit to the region. The Madras High Court emphasised that this system would provide invaluable support to researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) and the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B) in assessing the carrying capacity of the Ghat roads leading to these hill stations. By utilising this data, informed decisions can be made to improve road infrastructure and other amenities, ultimately ensuring the long-term sustainability of tourism in these areas.

All About The E-Pass

All tourists travelling in vehicles not registered in the Nilgiris District and those heading to hill stations like Kodaikanal and Ooty must obtain an e-pass. However, local residents or tourists using government buses can use an e-pass. There is no limit on the number of e-passes issued, ensuring that entry remains open to all visitors. If you plan a trip to these regions, you can apply for an e-pass on the official Tamil Nadu government website - epass.tnega.org. The application will require specific details, including the number of passengers in the vehicle, vehicle type, fuel type, dates of entry and exit, and the purpose of the visit. Once the form is submitted, an e-pass with a QR code will be generated. This e-pass will be checked at entry points to Kodaikanal and Ooty. The entire process is fully automated and can be completed online in just a few minutes. This ensures that you, as a tourist, can enjoy your trip while playing a part in the preservation and enhancement of these breathtaking hill stations.