In a move aimed at bolstering revenue amid mounting financial stress, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh has announced a steep hike in entry toll rates for vehicles arriving
from other states. The revised rates, nearly doubling in several categories, will come into force from April 1 under the new barrier policy for the financial year 2026-27.
Under the fresh notification, private vehicles entering Himachal from neighbouring states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi will now have to pay Rs 170 as entry toll tax, up from the earlier Rs 70. Vehicles carrying 12+1 passengers, which previously paid Rs 110, will also be charged Rs 170.
Heavy vehicles will see their toll revised from Rs 720 to Rs 900. Construction machinery, including JCBs and similar equipment, will now be charged Rs 800, compared to the previous Rs 570. The entry fee for tractors has been increased from Rs 70 to ₹100. However, the toll for double-axle buses and trucks remains unchanged at Rs 570.
The entry tax barriers are located at Govindghat in Sirmaur district, Kandwal in Nurpur, Mehatpur in Una, Baddi, Parwanoo, and near Garamora in Bilaspur district. Vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh will continue to be exempt from entry tax.
Officials said FASTag systems will be installed at all barriers to streamline collections. A committee headed by the respective Deputy Commissioner has been constituted to oversee the auction process of these entry barriers, with officers from the Excise and Taxation Department serving as members. The auction will be conducted online, with the base bid for a single toll barrier fixed at Rs 5 crore. Interested bidders will be required to deposit a non-refundable fee of Rs 25,000 to participate.
