Entry fees for vehicles from outside states will increase in Himachal Pradesh starting April 1. Under the new barrier policy, regular vehicles will be charged ₹170. The new rates will apply at 55 barriers.
पहाड़ों की सैर पड़ेगी महंगी, हिमाचल में एंट्री फीस ढाई गुना तक बढ़ी, 1 अप्रैल से नया टैक्स
The Himachal Pradesh government has taken a major decision. The government has announced an increase in entry fees for vehicles from outside states entering the state. The new rates will come into effect from April 1.
Issuing a new barrier policy, the state government has increased the entry tax by nearly two and a half times. This will impact tourists and business activities entering Himachal in their private or commercial vehicles. However, vehicles registered in Himachal will continue to be exempt from the entry tax as before.
How much has the fee increased for which vehicles? According to the new rates:
General outside vehicles will now have to pay an entry fee of ₹170, up from ₹70 previously.
Vehicles with a 12+1 passenger capacity will also now be charged ₹170, up from ₹110 previously.
The fee for heavy vehicles has been increased from ₹720 to ₹900.
The fee for construction machinery, such as JCBs and other heavy equipment, has been increased from ₹570 to ₹800.
The fee for tractors has been increased from ₹70 to ₹100.
The rate of ₹570 for double-axle buses and trucks remains unchanged.
The government states that the rates are based on the nature and use of the vehicles.
New rates will be applicable at 55 entry barriers
There are a total of 55 entry barriers in the state where vehicles from outside states enter Himachal. The major barriers are located near Govindghat in Sirmaur, Kandwal in Nurpur, Mehtapur in Una, Baddi, Parwanoo, and Garamoda in Bilaspur district.
The new rates will be effective at all these locations from April 1. The government is also preparing to implement the FASTag system at these barriers to bring transparency and speed in fee collection.
A committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) has been formed to oversee the auction process for the barriers. Officials from the Excise and Taxation Department will also be members.
Why was the entry tax increased?
Himachal Pradesh is currently facing financial pressure. Declining revenue collection and rising expenses have posed a challenge for the government in raising resources. Given the need for additional funds for salaries, pensions, and development projects, the government was exploring options to increase revenue.
The government believes that revising the entry tax will generate additional revenue and help maintain fiscal balance. Given the number of vehicles involved in tourism and business activities, it is considered a stable source of income.
What will be the impact on tourism?
Himachal Pradesh is one of the country’s major tourist destinations. Millions of tourists arrive here every year in their private vehicles. Therefore, increasing the entry fee could have a direct impact on the tourism sector.
Officials say that the amount of ₹170 is not significant, but considering fuel and other expenses, it is certainly an additional burden. However, it is too early to determine the actual impact of this increase on the tourism industry.
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