There is some good news for the tourists visiting Kodaikanal hills during this summer festival to be held in May.

There has been reports of rise in vehicle movement and traffic congestion experienced by the tourists year after year. To ease traffic congestion on the ghat section as well as on the hills, Dindigul district administration has worked out elaborate plans.

Chairing a meeting held here to discuss arrangements for the summer festival, Collector T.G. Vinay said a space for car parking would be identified. The government had issued a Government Order for the establishment of a multi-level parking in the hill station and soon the officials concerned would identify the space.

The roads leading to Kodaikanal from Palani and Batlagundu had developed potholes and required urgent repairs. He directed highways engineers to attend to them and instal signboards highlighting speed limit and other road rules for vehicle users.

The summer festival, which would be organised at Bryant Park would have more attractions this time. Horticulture department officials explained the steps taken so far. Municipal authorities elaborated on the arrangements made such as installation of additional dumper bins and mobile toilets.

The Collector wanted Food Safety Officials to keep an eye on the quality of food served in restaurants and roadside eateries. Fire and Rescue Services personnel and vehicles should be stationed at a vantage location during the summer festival, he said.

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation authorities said additional bus services would be operated to Kodaikanal from different destinations.

Palani Sub-Collector Vineet, District Rural Development Agency Project Director Prabakaran, Municipal Commissioner Saravanan, Deputy Directors (Horticulture) Suresh Sriram and Mohanram, Tourism Officer Uma Devi and others were present.