Travel to Himachal Pradesh is set to become more expensive as the cash-strapped government announces a steep increase in vehicle entry fees. The revised rates, which are notified under the Himachal Pradesh Fees Act, 1975 to strengthen the finances, will come into effect from April 1. Under the new structure, the entry fee for private cars, SUVs, vans and light motor vehicles has been increased from Rs 70 to Rs 170. The entry fee for 12+1 passenger cars has now been increased from Rs 110 to Rs 170. Small buses (32 seats) will have to pay Rs 320 instead of Rs 180, while commercial buses will be charged Rs 600, nearly double the previous Rs 320. Construction machinery will attract Rs 800 as against Rs 570 earlier. The charges for large trucks have been increased from Rs 720 to Rs 900 and for tractors from Rs 70 to Rs 100.
