15 May 2024
Admin
The Tamil Nadu government made an important announcement regarding tourists planning to visit the state's picturesque hill stations this summer. The new requirement for an e-pass to enter these hill stations was put in place to manage the high volume of visitors, particularly in popular destinations like Ooty and Kodaikanal.
Image source The Travel Blueprint
The initiative was prompted by a directive from the Madras High Court to regulate the entry of vehicles to these areas. The e-pass system, which came into effect on 6 May and will run until 30 June 2024, aims to collect data on the number of vehicles, passengers, and duration of stay in the hill stations.
This information will be crucial for future planning and development of infrastructure in Ooty and Kodaikanal. It's worth noting that the e-pass requirement does not limit the number of passes issued, but rather serves as a means to gather essential data for better management of tourism in these regions. For tourists planning to drive into the Nilgiris hills, including Ooty and Kodaikanal, obtaining an e-pass is mandatory. However, local residents and those arriving via government buses are exempt from this requirement.
Image source Tripoto
To apply for an e-pass, interested individuals can visit the official website epass.tnega.org and provide relevant details such as the number of passengers, vehicle information, dates of entry and exit, purpose of visit, and contact address. Upon approval, the e-pass will contain a QR code that will be scanned at the entry points of Ooty and Kodaikanal. This streamlined process not only facilitates smooth entry for tourists but also aids in the efficient management of visitor data for the benefit of enhancing the overall tourist experience in these scenic hill stations.
