E-passes mandatory for visitors travelling to Ooty, Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu from May 7

The Madras High Court has recently ordered visitors to Ooty and Kodaikanal to use an e-pass system to manage the flood of tourists and safeguard the Nilgiris' ecosystem. 

This new rule, which will be in effect from May 7, 2024, to June 30, 2024, attempts to control the influx of tourists at the busiest time of year.

According to the reports, special division bench comprising two justices N Sathish Kumar and D Bharatha Chakravarthy had introduced the e-pass. 

Its purpose was to deal with the problems caused by the increasing number of visitors to the hill stations. 

The number of e-passes issued, however, is unlimited, and residents are free from this rule.

The ruling by the Madras High Court is also a reaction to traffic jams.

The court wants to gather information on vehicle traffic on the difficult ghat roads that lead to these locations by introducing e-passes.

In response to a report that detailed the tremendous flood of more than 20,000 vehicles every day 11,500 cars and 6,500 motorcycles during peak season, the court directed District Collectors to set up an online e-pass issue platform.

These passes will be required to enter, allowing controlled access and reducing traffic on congested roads.