Big turnout expected at Ooty’s grand annual show

Right from Thursday morning, traffic moved at a snail’s pace from Coonoor to Udhagamandalam. D Prem, a resident of Udhagamandalam said that it took more than 45 minutes on bike to reach the Botanical Garden that is just three and a half km from his house near the bus stand. “Situation is bound to worsen on Friday and will be the worst on Sunday,” the 65-year-old added. 

Murali Rambha, SP, The Nilgiris, said to ease traffic from Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam and vice versa on those days, the main approach roads would be made one-way. “From Friday to Sunday, vehicles from Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam can come only through Coonoor. Similarly, vehicles from Udhagamandalam to Mettupalayam can only use the Kotagiri road,” he said. 

In all, 2,000 police personnel from various districts have been deployed for security and traffic diversion. Police said they would not allow heavy vehicles into the town. “Tourist buses will be stopped at special parking places identified at the outskirts of the town,” added the officials.

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) will be operating number of buses inside the town to help visitors. Managing Director of TNSTC Coimbatore Division R Thangavelu said that they are operating special buses from Coimbatore, Mettupalayam, Tirupur and Erode to Udhagamandalam on all the three days. 

“We have planned to operate 30 additional buses from Coimbatore and Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam. More services will be introduced based on demand,” he said and added that special officers have been appointed to cater to the needs of commuters. 

Udhagamandalam Municipality is trying its best to maintain the town clean. They have also planned to put up temporary toilets at several places, especially in places where people are likely to gather in large numbers.