Not everyone who registers for E-pass to visit Kodaikanal actually arrives

Palani: Kodaikanal is gearing up for a massive transformation aimed at boosting tourism, according to State Tourism Board Director Samayamoorthy. Key projects, including the renovation of lakes, establishment of a new e-pass centre and the construction of multi-level parking, will soon begin in the area.

The director visited Kodaikanal to assess the situation before implementing these projects. A meeting was also held to discuss various aspects, including the e-pass system, measures to reduce traffic congestion for tourists, activities at the Silver Falls check post, and parking facilities near the Kodaikanal bus stand.

Officials present at the meeting included Collector M. N. Poongodi, SP Pradeep, and representatives from multiple departments. District Revenue Department Officer Sheik Muhaideen, RDO Sivaram, Transport Department Officer Jayagowri, Panchayat Deputy Director Nagaraj, Municipal Commissioner Sathyanathan, and Divisional Engineers from the Highways Department, Shankar and Kumaran, also participated.

Increase awareness about e-pass: Tourism Director

During the meeting, the Director of Tourism emphasised the need for better awareness about the e-pass system among tourists. Although 5,000 buses were registered to use the e-pass system for Kodaikanal, only 2,000 actually arrived, indicating that many who registered do not visit.

The director recommended creating a system to gather feedback from tourists regarding the e-pass and suggested forming a committee that includes police and community representatives to help prevent traffic jams in Kodaikanal.