Kodaikanal witnessed major disruption on Thursday after tourist vehicle drivers staged a protest against the Forest Department, leading to heavy traffic congestion across key stretches of the hill station. The agitation was later called off temporarily following negotiations with district officials.
Drivers said entry fees to Forest Department tourist spots have been collected through a QR-code system since January 12. They alleged the process has worsened traffic bottlenecks and inconvenienced both local residents and visitors.
Demanding a return to the earlier system—where entry fees were collected separately at each location—and restoration of the previous traffic arrangement, the drivers held a sit-in at the Forest Department entry gate. They also staged a road blockade near Moosikkal, triggering long queues.
The protest continued for more than five hours, with vehicles reportedly stranded for around 10 km. Tourists arriving from other districts and states faced significant hardship.
District Forest Officer Aravind, Revenue Divisional Officer Keerthana and DSP Yuvapriya held talks with the protesters. After assurances that their demands would be examined, the drivers announced a temporary withdrawal of the protest. Separately, the Dindigul district collector said tourists can visit Pillar Rocks, Guna Cave, the pine forests and Sathukam areas free of charge for two days, while entry to places such as Bryant Park and the valley view point will remain ticketed.
