Ooty Summer Festival 2026: Traffic Diversions Announced
The Nilgiris district police have unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan for Udhagamandalam, effective May 1, 2026. The measures aim to alleviate the heavy congestion anticipated during the Ooty summer festival, ensuring the safety of tourists while facilitating smooth movement for local residents.
According to a press release from Nilgiris Superintendent of Police Nisha, all tourist cars arriving from Mettupalayam must turn left at Kattery Junction and proceed via Selas, Kenthala, Kattery Dam, Ketti Palada, Kollimalai, and Lovedale to enter Ooty town through Manjanakorai and Barnhill. This designated route is intended to streamline incoming traffic and reduce bottlenecks.
Tourist vehicles returning from Ooty to the plains are mandated to travel exclusively via Kotagiri Road. Only a few exempted vehicles will be allowed through Wellington Black Bridge or Kattabettu. Additionally, tourist vehicles will not be permitted to descend via the Coonoor-Burliar route unless specifically authorized by the police.
Buses, vans, cars, and maxi cabs heading to Gudalur or Theppakadu must turn left at Lovedale Junction and proceed via Lovedale Railway Station, Lovedale Police Station Junction, Gandhi Nagar, Manjanakorai, Barnhill, Kandhal Triangle, and Fingerpost to reach their destinations.
Temporary Parking Hubs Established
To reduce the number of large vehicles on Ooty's narrow internal roads, police have set up temporary parking hubs. Tourist buses and maxi cabs arriving from Coonoor can be parked at the Aavin parking lot. Vehicles coming from the Kotagiri side will be directed to the temporary parking ground at Government Arts College. Buses and maxi cabs from Gudalur can be parked in the HPF Golf Road area.
Restrictions on Heavy Commercial Vehicles
From May 1, all heavy commercial vehicles will be barred from entering Ooty town between 8 am and 9 pm. However, this restriction does not apply to vehicles carrying essential commodities such as milk, petroleum products, and cooking gas.
These measures are part of the police's efforts to ensure a smooth and safe experience for both tourists and residents during the festive period.
