BJP Slams Himachal Govt After Hike In Vehicle Entry Fee, Cars To Pay Rs 170

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 10:13 IST

Charges for private cars, jeeps, vans and light motor vehicles have increased from Rs 70 to Rs 170- nearly a 40% to 50% rise.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh over its decision to sharply increase entry fees for vehicles from other states, saying that the move reflects “financial mismanagement" and burdens tourists. Responding to the hike, BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that travel to Himachal Pradesh had become costlier due to the Congress government’s decision.

“Cash-strapped Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh doubles entry permit rates- private cars now to pay ₹170. A steep 40–50% hike in charges," he said.

“Instead of fixing finances through governance reforms, the state is squeezing tourists and common citizens. Excise tweaks. Liquor vends reshuffled. Toll collections tightened. Entry tax hiked. Common man burdened," he added.

Himachal Hikes Entry Fee Up To 50%

The criticism comes after the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government announced a steep hike in entry fees for vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh from other states. The revised rates, notified under the Himachal Pradesh Toll Act, 1975, will come into effect from April 1.

Charges for private cars, jeeps, vans and light motor vehicles have increased from Rs 70 to Rs 170- nearly a 40% to 50% rise.

Entry fees for several other vehicle categories have also been increased. The charge for passenger vehicles with 12+1 seating capacity has been raised from Rs 110 to Rs 170. Mini buses with 32 seats will now pay Rs 320, up from Rs 180, while commercial buses will be charged Rs 600 compared to the earlier Rs 320. Entry fees for construction machinery have been increased from Rs 570 to Rs 800, and large goods vehicles will now pay Rs 900 instead of Rs 720. Tractor entry fees have also been revised upward, from Rs 70 to Rs 100.

However, the rate for double-axle bus-trucks remains unchanged at Rs 570.

Local Himachal Pradesh-registered vehicles will continue to be exempt.

The entry fee revision is part of a broader effort by the Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to strengthen state finances amid mounting fiscal pressure. Special committees headed by district collectors have been formed to implement the new rates and manage barrier operations at key entry points including Parwanoo and Baddi in Solan, Mahatpur in Una, Kandwal in Kangra, Garamaura in Bilaspur and Govindghat in Sirmaur.

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