Himachal raises entry tax, cars to now pay Rs 170

Travel to Himachal Pradesh will become costlier with the cash-strapped govt announcing a steep hike in entry fees for vehicles. Notified under Himachal Pradesh Toll Act, 1975, the revised rates, aimed at strengthening finances, will come into effect on April 1. According to the new structure, the entry fee for private cars, SUVs, vans and light motor vehicles has gone up to Rs 170 from Rs 70. The fee for 12+1-seater passenger vehicles now stands at Rs 170, up from Rs 110. Mini-buses (32-seaters) will have to pay Rs 320 instead of Rs 180, while commercial buses will be charged Rs 600, nearly double the earlier Rs 320. Construction machinery will attract Rs 800 compared with Rs 570 earlier. The fee for large goods vehicles has been raised to Rs 900 from Rs 720, while tractors will pay Rs 100 instead of Rs 70.