Ooty & Kodaikanal E-Pass: How To Apply For E-Pass Online For Free? Here's Step By Step Guide

New restrictions limiting the number of tourist vehicles entering the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal has come into effect this week, sparking protests from local businesses and prompting the Tamil Nadu government to challenge the Madras High Court's order.

Court-Imposed Limits

As per the High Court's ruling, which took effect on April 1, the number of vehicles allowed into the hill stations has been capped to ease congestion and environmental strain. The daily limits are:

Nilgiris (Ooty): 6,000 vehicles on weekdays, 8,000 on weekends.

Kodaikanal: 4,000 vehicles on weekdays, 6,000 on weekends.

The restrictions, applicable until June, exempt local vehicles and those transporting essential goods. Tourists must now obtain an e-pass to enter, a move aimed at better regulating traffic flow.

Businesses Protest

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the tourism and transport sectors. On Wednesday (April 3), shops, hotels, and auto-rickshaw unions in Ooty observed a complete shutdown, with tourist taxis staying off the roads in protest.

"This will severely impact livelihoods," said a hotel owner in Ooty. "The sudden enforcement without proper alternatives is unfair to businesses dependent on tourism."

TN Govt Moves HC, Seeks More Time

The state government has filed an appeal before a special division bench of the Madras High Court, arguing that the restrictions impose "severe administrative difficulties" and hurt stakeholders.

Officials pointed out that an expert committee-comprising members from IIT-Madras and IIM-Bangalore-had sought nine additional months to study the hill stations' carrying capacity before implementing such measures.

The bench, comprising Justices N Sathish Kumar and D Bharatha Chakravarthy, has agreed to hear the plea on Friday.

What's Next?

The court's decision could determine whether the restrictions remain in place or are modified. Meanwhile, tourists planning visits to Ooty or Kodaikanal may face delays due to the e-pass requirement, while businesses await clarity on how the rules will impact the peak summer season.

The debate highlights the ongoing struggle between promoting tourism and ensuring ecological sustainability in Tamil Nadu's popular hill stations.

Hence, Travelers visiting Ooty, Kodaikanal, and the Nilgiris region in India via their own vehicles are now required to obtain an e-pass.

How to Generate an E-Pass:

Visit https://epass.tnega.org/home and log in.

Choose whether you are traveling from within India or from outside India.

Select one of the options.

Enter your phone number to receive an OTP.

Choose your destination.

Provide your details such as name, address, duration of stay, etc.

Enter your vehicle details including name, number, and other relevant information.

Complete the process to generate the pass.