Following a recent decision by the Munnar panchayat to levy a fee on incoming tourist vehicles, the neighbouring Devikulam grama panchayat has also decided to collect a surcharge on tourist vehicles entering the Munnar hill station. Local authorities hope the move will curb hours-long traffic gridlocks that threaten the region’s vital tourism sector.

Devikulam panchayat president K. Sharanya stated that a traffic advisory committee meeting has been called for June 3 to discuss the proposal and outline further steps.

“The arrival of large vehicles, including big tour buses, at Mattupetty—a popular tourist spot in Munnar—has been causing hours-long traffic block in the hill station,” Ms. Sharanya said. “The panchayat plans to implement an e-pass system to address these issues.”she said.

According to officials, the panchayat intends to restrict big buses from entering the Mattupetty destination and use the e-pass system to regulate vehicle numbers.

Munnar panchayat president K. Vijayakumar welcomed the neighbouring local body’s decision to join the initiative.

“The traffic advisory committee meeting will be held in the presence of Devikulam MLA, F. Raja, with representatives from both the Devikulam and Munnar panchayats in attendance,” Mr Vijayakumar said. “The meeting will discuss the surcharge proposal and finalise the decision.”

Initially, when the Congress-led Munnar panchayat announced the surcharge, left-wing parties criticised the move. However, with the LDF-led Devikulam panchayat now joining the initiative, authorities expect the policy to be implemented soon. Mr. Vijayakumar added that the surcharge will be collected only after proper parking and traffic arrangements are in place in the hill station.

G. Sojan, coordinator of the My Munnar Movement—an initiative promoting tourism in the area—emphasized that infrastructure must come first.

“The surcharge and e-pass systems should only be implemented after basic facilities are guaranteed in the Munnar hill station,” Mr. Sojan said.

“Parking is a major issue here; a dedicated parking ground must be established first. Furthermore, the surcharge requires coordinated support from all connecting panchayats and the Idukki district administration. Proper regulations will ultimately help ensure smooth tourism and eliminate massive traffic jams,” said Mr. Sojan.

Panchayat authorities noted that, alongside severe traffic congestion, large-scale waste dumping by tourists prompted the decision to introduce the fee, with revenues intended to help maintain a waste-free Munnar.