Visitors planning a road trip to Himachal Pradesh this summer will need to budget a little extra. Starting April 1, the state’s amended toll policy for the fiscal year 2026–27 will come into effect, significantly increasing entry-point toll charges for vehicles registered outside Himachal. For more details and clarity, check the detailed announcement by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Under the revised structure, the hike in toll fees ranges between INR 30 and INR 180 depending on the category of vehicle. Importantly, vehicles registered within Himachal Pradesh will remain exempt from the toll tax at these entry barriers.
What will change?
As per the tolling policy for the 2026-27 period, light motor vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans, will now be required to pay INR 170 per day, as opposed to the previous rate of INR 70. This is one of the most drastic hikes as per the new policy and is likely to directly impact tourists entering the hill state through the road route.
However, for buses and trucks with a maximum of two axles, the toll amount remains the same at INR 570.
Other categories of vehicles with revised toll amounts include:
Light commercial vehicles and mini-buses: INR 320
Three-axle commercial vehicles: INR 600
Heavy construction vehicles: INR 800
Vehicles with seven or more axles: INR 900
The policy clearly states that entry fees are to be paid at the barriers, and FASTag has been made mandatory for all vehicles to make the process easier.
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55 toll barriers in the state
Currently, there are 55 toll barriers in the state of Himachal Pradesh. These entry points are located at major access points to the state from surrounding areas. With the new toll rates applicable, this is likely to have an impact on tourism and freight transportation costs.
An official, quoted in a PTI report, said that the auction process for toll barriers will shift to an online system to improve transparency. Monitoring committees at the district level, comprising district magistrates, would also be formed to monitor the functioning of barriers and ensure a smooth implementation of the new policy.
To ease congestion at major entry points, the state government has decided to install multi-lane free-flow electronic toll systems at Parwanoo (Main) and Tipra bypass in Solan district, as well as at Garamaura in Bilaspur district.
Opposition from transport bodies
The decision has drawn criticism from sections of the transport industry. The Himachal Pradesh Private Bus Operators Association and the state unit of the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India have strongly opposed the hike, calling it detrimental to private transport operators.
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Part of broader revenue measures
The toll revision comes alongside efforts by the state government to strengthen its revenue base. Excise collections, an important part of the state’s domestic tax revenues, are also being simplified for 2026-27. The excise structure will retain the auction-based allocation system for liquor vends, with rationalized reserve prices based on historical performance and consumption.
Enhanced digital monitoring of stock movement, stricter enforcement mechanisms and transparent bidding processes are expected to boost licence fees, excise duty and VAT collections in the coming fiscal year.
As summer approaches, traditionally a peak season for destinations such as Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala, travellers entering Himachal Pradesh by road will need to factor in the revised toll rates.
While the government positions the move as part of fiscal and administrative reforms, the immediate impact will be felt at the state’s entry barriers from April 1 onward.
