BJP Slams Himachal’s New FASTag Entry Fee Plan

Shimla, Feb 20: BJP State Media Coordinator Karn Nanda has strongly criticised the Himachal Pradesh government’s proposed FASTag-based entry fee system and revised vehicle charges set to be implemented from April 1, 2026. He alleged that increasing entry fees for private vehicles from ₹70 to ₹130 and imposing higher charges on goods carriers would place an additional financial burden on citizens and negatively impact tourism and transport sectors.

Nanda claimed that extending charges to local goods vehicles and increasing fees for commercial transport, construction machinery, and mini buses could lead to higher logistics costs, ultimately affecting prices for consumers. He accused the government of prioritising revenue collection over public convenience, citing the target of ₹185 crore revenue through 55 toll barriers.

He further stated that higher entry charges in a tourism-dependent state could discourage visitors and weaken local businesses. The BJP leader warned that if the decision is not reconsidered, it may adversely affect the state’s economy, tourism inflow, and employment opportunities.