SHIMLA: Travel to Himachal Pradesh is set to become costlier as the state govt has announced a steep hike in entry fees for vehicles from other states. The revised rates, notified under the Himachal Pradesh Toll Act, 1975, will come into effect from April 1.According to the new structure, the entry fee has been increased from Rs 30 to Rs 230 for various categories of vehicles. Charges for private cars, jeeps, vans and light motor vehicles have increased from Rs 70 to Rs 170. The fee for 12+1 seater passenger vehicles now stands at Rs 170, up from Rs 110. This is one of the steps taken by the cash-strapped Himachal Pradesh govt to strengthen the state’s finances.

Mini buses (32-seater) will pay Rs 320 instead of Rs 180, while commercial buses will be charged Rs 600, nearly double the earlier Rs 320. Construction machinery will now attract an Rs 800 entry fee, compared to Rs 570 earlier. Fees for large goods vehicles has increased from Rs 720 to Rs 900, while tractors will pay Rs 100 instead of Rs 70. However, the rate for double-axle bus-trucks remains unchanged at Rs 570. Local Himachal vehicles continue to be exempt from this entry fee.The state govt will directly collect tolls at barriers, make FASTag mandatory, and conduct barrier auctions online, aiming to streamline traffic and reduce congestion. Special committees, chaired by the district collectors, were constituted to implement the new rates and manage barrier operations at key state entry points such as Parwanoo and Baddi in Solan district, Mahatpur in Una district, Kandwal in Kangra district, Garamaura in Bilaspur district, and Govindghat in Sirmaur district.