Traffic congestion has intensified in Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty, in the Nilgiris district, even before the peak summer tourist season begins, causing concern among residents and authorities.
Ooty, a major hill station, attracts a large number of tourists from Tamil Nadu as well as neighbouring states such as Kerala and Karnataka, besides foreign visitors, owing to its scenic beauty and tourist attractions. The influx typically peaks during April and May.
However, this year, traffic snarls have already become frequent even on regular days. A surge in tourist arrivals during the recent Telugu New Year celebrations and Ramzan festival further worsened the situation.
Following the holiday rush, tourists returning to their hometowns since the evening of the previous day led to heavy traffic jams across key roads in the town. Major congestion was reported in areas including Charing Cross, Boat House Road, and near the RTO office, where vehicles were seen lined up over long stretches.
Traffic movement was also severely affected in several other parts of the town, including Missionary Hill, Devangar Hall, St. Anthony’s Church junction, Kotagiri Road, Government Arts College Road, Stonehouse Road, Fern Hill Road, Commercial Road, Mariamman Temple Junction, the bus stand area, Ettins Road, Davisdale, and State Bank Junction.
Police personnel were deployed to regulate and divert traffic in congested stretches, but the volume of vehicles continued to pose challenges.
Unregulated roadside parking has further aggravated the congestion, residents said. Locals have urged the authorities to deploy senior police officials for direct monitoring, enforce stricter action against traffic violations, and implement long-term measures to address the recurring problem.
