Shimla, February 19 From April 1, visitors to Himachal Pradesh will have to pay more at toll barriers located at its entry points, as the state's amended toll policy comes into effect from the next fiscal year – significantly increasing fees for private vehicles from other states.
The increase in toll charges ranges from ₹30 to ₹180, depending on the vehicle. However, vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh will be exempt from toll tax.
According to the 2026-27 toll policy, light motor vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans, will be charged an amended fee of ₹170 instead of ₹70. However, the toll will remain unchanged (₹570) for buses and trucks with up to two axles.
The new daily charges for light commercial vehicles and mini buses have been fixed at ₹320, while three-axle commercial vehicles will be required to pay ₹600. Heavy construction machinery will be charged ₹800, and oversized vehicles with seven or more axles must pay ₹900 to pass through the Himachal Pradesh toll gates.
The entry fees will be collected at the barrier, and the use of Fastag will be mandatory, the policy stated.
There are 55 toll barriers in Himachal Pradesh, and the increased charges are expected to impact both tourist and freight rates.
Auctions for toll barriers will now be conducted online, and a committee will be formed at the district level, headed by district magistrates, to monitor operations, an official said on Thursday.
According to officials, to reduce traffic congestion, multi-lane free flow toll barriers will be established at Parwanoo (Main) and Tipra bypass in Solan district and Garamaura in Bilaspur district.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Private Bus Operators Association and the state unit of the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India have expressed strong objection against the proposed hike in toll tax rates.
Calling it an attack on the private transport sector, the organizations have sought immediate rollback of the decision, and have said that routes such as Una-Jasur via Talwara, Jassur-Dhangu via Pathankot, and Una-Naina Devi via Nangal are part of internal transportation and therefore, imposing entry toll on these routes is impractical.
