Business owners protest closure of Kalhatti Ghat Road to tourists
Business owners and traders near Ooty and Masinagudi staged protests after the Nilgiris district administration, following a court directive, restricted tourist vehicles on the Kalhatti Ghat Road to reduce accidents and protect the Mudumalai forest corridor. The steep 36‑hairpin route has seen several serious crashes, and authorities say the seasonal ban aims to improve safety and minimize ecological disturbance.
Protesters — including hoteliers, small restaurant owners, tour operators and taxi drivers — warned the move will sharply cut visitor numbers, raise operating costs via longer detours through Gudalur or Kotagiri, and threaten livelihoods that depend on day‑trippers. They demanded a time‑bound review, limited e‑passes for vetted tour operators, escorted convoy windows, and emergency‑response upgrades before any extended closure.
District officials defended the restriction as temporary and safety‑driven, noting exemptions for local residents, emergency services and authorised vehicles, and promised enhanced signage and checkpoints. Protest leaders have requested an urgent meeting with the collectorate to seek concessions and a clear reopening timeline, while traders say losses will mount if the ban persists beyond the high‑risk season.