To expedite entrance tax payments and shorten passenger wait times upon entering Himachal Pradesh, the government is implementing FASTag-based entry tax collection at all 55 toll gates in a staged way, according to an official spokesperson on Sunday.
More Information on the FASTag System
According to the spokesperson, in anticipation of a 7.5% increase in entrance tax income over FY 2024–2025, the government has chosen to auction-cum-tender all entry tax barriers for the fiscal year 2025–2026.
The spokesperson stated that the successful toll lessees for the chosen toll units would have to pay the full cost of installation and operation, including fees from the issuer bank, NPCI, IHMCL, and the acquiring bank, and that their lease would be terminated if they did not finish all the procedures associated with the implementation of the FASTag-based entry tax system within 45 days.
Toll Lessees to submit an undertaking
According to the spokesperson, the toll lessees are responsible for paying for the submission of an undertaking attesting to the FASTag-based entrance tax system's implementation. Additionally, commuters who make round-trip travels must receive receipts from them within 24 hours.
According to the spokesperson, it will be completely forbidden for them to charge more than the authorized toll charges.
No deduction made for exempted vehicles
All cars registered in Himachal Pradesh, except for large commercial trucks, are now free from entrance tax. The FASTag software will contain a feature that makes sure that no deductions are made for these vehicles.
According to the spokesperson, the initiative's goals were to increase travel convenience and boost the effectiveness of entrance tax collection throughout the state.
Read More About: Access Management Systems
Conclusion
The implementation of the FASTag-based entry tax payment system at key toll barriers in Himachal Pradesh marks a significant step toward enhancing efficiency and convenience for commuters. By streamlining toll collection, the initiative aims to reduce wait times, improve compliance, and boost revenue. With toll lessees responsible for ensuring a smooth transition, the government is committed to enforcing strict timelines and regulations to facilitate the system’s successful execution. Ultimately, this move will not only modernize entry tax collection but also contribute to a seamless travel experience across the state.
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