Himachal Pradesh Announces Significant Increase in Vehicle Entry Fees
Travel to the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh is poised to become notably more expensive following a recent announcement by the state government. A steep hike in entry fees for vehicles from other states has been officially notified under the Himachal Pradesh Toll Act, 1975, and is scheduled to take effect from April 1. This move is part of broader efforts by the cash-strapped government to strengthen the state's financial position.
Revised Fee Structure Details
According to the newly released structure, the entry fee for various categories of vehicles has seen substantial increases. For private cars, jeeps, vans, and light motor vehicles, the charge has been raised from Rs 70 to Rs 170. Similarly, the fee for 12+1 seater passenger vehicles now stands at Rs 170, up from the previous Rs 110. In a more dramatic shift, the entry fee for certain vehicle types has jumped from Rs 30 to Rs 230, reflecting the government's aggressive revenue-generation strategy.
Commercial and larger vehicles face even heftier hikes. Mini buses with 32 seats will now pay Rs 320, compared to the earlier Rs 180, while commercial buses are charged Rs 600, nearly double the previous rate of Rs 320. Construction machinery will attract an Rs 800 entry fee, up from Rs 570, and large goods vehicles see an increase from Rs 720 to Rs 900. Tractors will now incur a fee of Rs 100 instead of Rs 70. However, it is important to note that the rate for double-axle bus-trucks remains unchanged at Rs 570, and local Himachal vehicles continue to be exempt from these entry fees entirely.
Implementation and Operational Changes
To ensure smooth implementation of the new rates, the state government has outlined several operational adjustments. Tolls will be collected directly at barriers, with FASTag becoming mandatory to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion. Additionally, barrier auctions will be conducted online to enhance transparency and efficiency in the toll collection process.
Special committees have been constituted, chaired by district collectors, to oversee the rollout of the new fee structure and manage barrier operations. These committees will focus on key state entry points, including Parwanoo and Baddi in Solan district, Mahatpur in Una district, Kandwal in Kangra district, Garamaura in Bilaspur district, and Govindghat in Sirmaur district. This targeted approach aims to minimize disruptions while maximizing revenue collection from incoming traffic.
The hike in entry fees is expected to impact tourists and commercial operators significantly, potentially altering travel patterns and costs for those visiting Himachal Pradesh. As the state grapples with financial challenges, this measure represents a critical step towards bolstering its economic stability, though it may pose challenges for affordability in the tourism sector.
