Madurai: Free entry was announced for the weekend at forest department-controlled tourist spots in Kodaikanal after tourist vehicle drivers staged a protest against the new ticketing system, alleging that it caused massive traffic congestion in the hill station.
Drivers held a sit-in protest near the forest department office on Saturday, demanding that authorities revert to the earlier ticketing system. The protest, which began in the morning and lasted nearly five hours, led to traffic piling up for around 10km. District administration and forest officials later held talks with the protesters and assured them that their demands would be considered, following which the protest was withdrawn.
Free Entry and New Measures
In the wake of the protest, authorities allowed free entry on Saturday and Sunday to forest department-controlled tourist destinations, including Thoon Parai, Guna Caves, Pine Forest and Moyer Sathukkam. Officials also announced measures to streamline tourist entry from Monday. Tourists will be able to obtain entry passes through QR codes at five locations — Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, the bus stand, Silver Cascade and Kodai Lake.
Integration of Online Payment
District collector S Saravanan said the e-pass system for travel to and from Kodaikanal was already in place and that efforts were under way to integrate online payment facilities for tourist spot entry fees. "The online payment system is being introduced for the convenience of tourists visiting Kodaikanal," he said.
The protest highlights the challenges of implementing new systems in popular tourist destinations, where traffic congestion and administrative changes can significantly impact local businesses and visitors. The authorities' swift response aims to balance the needs of tourists, drivers, and the local economy.
