Get e-pass as soon as you plan visit to Kodaikanal, says Collector

Plan your trip to Kodaikanal efficiently by applying for e-pass in advance to avoid inconvenience during peak season.

Appealing to the tourists to get e-pass well in advance to visit Kodaikanal, Collector S. Saravanan said the official machinery was geared to handle the summer rush in the hill station.

Speaking to media persons here on Sunday, he said that as mandated by the High Court, the administration had made arrangements for issuance of the e-pass online from April 1. During week days, 4,000 e-pass would be issued and 6000 during holidays/weekends. He also clarified that vehicles of local residents and vehicles transporting essential goods and farm produce would be exempted.

When a visitor books accommodation either online or through other means with hotels/holiday resorts and homestays, he shall apply for the e-pass simultaneously and get it confirmed. The website would show the slot or the number of e-passes remaining for each day/date. It is user-friendly, the Collector said.

It would not be ideal and rather time consuming to apply for e-pass on the spot or on reaching the hill station for the vehicles. Heavy vehicles are permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. for unloading of consignments.

A round the clock integrated control room has been opened at the municipal office in Kodaikanal. The police have planned to introduce QR code facility through which visitors can share their suggestions or grievances.

As a temporary measure, a parcel of land measuring around one acre has been identified near the bus stand for parking of vehicles. Similarly, temporary parking slots have been earmarked near tourist spots like Green Valley View, Bryant Park, Silver Cascade. Any violation would invite fines, he said.

As many as 17 officials have been roped in to execute the tasks. A total of 25 RO water kiosks would be set up for the visitors. Mobile toilets would be stationed at important points, the Collector said.