There is important news for tourists from India and abroad planning to visit Himachal Pradesh. Visiting the state will soon become more expensive because the entry fee for vehicles is being increased. The new rates will come into effect from April 1, 2026.
The state government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has decided to raise the entry fees to increase revenue.
A government order has already been issued to implement the revised charges. From April 1, the new entry fees will be collected at all 55 entry barriers across Himachal Pradesh.
Entry Fees Increased by Nearly 2.5 Times
The government has increased entry fees by almost two and a half times. The revised charges apply to general vehicles, light vehicles, heavy vehicles, and vehicles carrying construction material.
Vehicles registered within Himachal Pradesh will continue to be exempt from entry fees. However, vehicles entering from other states will now have to pay the new higher charges.
This decision is expected to directly affect tourism in the state. Business activities may also be impacted, as thousands of commercial vehicles enter Himachal every day.
New Entry Fee Rates for Different Vehicles
Under the new rates:
Light vehicles from outside states: ₹170 (earlier ₹70)
Vehicles with 13 seats: ₹170 (earlier ₹110)
Heavy vehicles: ₹900 (earlier ₹720)
JCBs and vehicles carrying heavy construction material: ₹800 (earlier ₹570)
Tractors: ₹100 (earlier ₹70)
Double-axle buses and trucks: ₹570 (no change)
Entry Barriers Where New Fees Will Apply
Himachal Pradesh has a total of 55 entry barriers. Major ones include Govindghat in Sirmaur, Kandwal in Nurpur, Mehatpur in Una, Baddi, Parwanoo,
and Garamoda in Bilaspur district. These barriers handle the highest number of commercial vehicles entering the state.
Along with the new fees, preparations are underway to introduce the FASTag system at these entry points.
The auction of entry barriers will now be conducted by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC), with officials from the Excise and Taxation Department also included.
