Shimla: Amid the cash-strapped Himachal Pradesh govt’s move to raise Rs 228 crore by increasing entry tax on out-of-state vehicles from April 1, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday informed the assembly that the concerns of frequent commuters would be considered sympathetically, with the issuance of vehicle passes to be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting.Under the revised structure, private cars, jeeps, vans, and light motor vehicles will now pay Rs 170, up from Rs 70. For 12+1-seater passenger vehicles, the fee has been increased to Rs 130 from Rs 110. The maximum entry fee of Rs 900 has been levied on trucks with seven or more axles. The decision faced sharp criticism from neighbouring state, with Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly objecting and proposing a reciprocal entry tax on Himachal-registered vehicles.Claiming that the concerns over the rise in entry tax are exaggerated, Sukhu said the hike is only marginal and the entry tax is not applicable to private vehicles registered in Himachal but only on commercial and transport vehicles besides those registered in other states. Responding to a question by MLAs Rakesh Jamwal, Sukh Ram Chaudhary and Rakesh Kalia, the CM underlined that the residents living within 5-km radius of toll barriers will be eligible for concessional vehicle passes on the basis of their certification by the local authorities, including SDM and tehsildar. Sukhu said linking the vehicle entry tax with FASTag has led to higher rates, and the govt is also considering merging NHAI toll plazas with Himachal’s entry tax barriers wherever they are in close proximity. He added that the state is in talks with NHAI officials on the issue. The Himachal Pradesh govt is expected to generate an additional Rs 58 crore from the revised entry fee in 2026–27 compared to the previous year.BJP MLA Randhir Sharma suggested that the state govt should engage with Punjab authorities to prevent retaliatory taxes on Himachal vehicles. Paonta Sahib MLA Sukh Ram Chaudhary raised concerns about daily commuters from Dehradun and Yamunanagar travelling to industrial hubs in Paonta Sahib and Kala Amb. Congress MLA Hardeep Bawa highlighted that workers from neighbouring states also commute daily to industrial areas in Baddi, Barotiwala, and Nalagarh.The CM emphasised that the increased entry tax is unlikely to substantially impact inflation or place a heavy burden on general consumers. Revenue from the entry fees is earmarked for road construction, maintenance, and broader infrastructure development, ultimately improving travel convenience for both residents and tourists visiting the state, he added. MSID:: 129801677 413 |
