Uttarakhand Trips Set to Become More Expensive as Green Tax is Introduced for Vehicles—Exemptions Explained

The Uttarakhand government has announced the implementation of a green cess on out-of-state vehicles entering the state. The green cess will range from ₹20 to ₹80, applicable to both private and commercial vehicles. However, electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and motorcycles will be exempt from this fee, as will vehicles registered in Uttarakhand and essential service vehicles.

Out-of-state three-wheelers will incur a charge of ₹20, while four-wheelers will be charged ₹40, medium vehicles ₹60, and heavy vehicles ₹80. The green cess will be applied for single-day entries, but vehicle owners may opt for extended validity passes, paying 20 times the daily rate for a quarterly pass and 60 times for an annual pass. This initiative aims to promote environmentally friendly travel in the state by imposing fees on non-local and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles while exempting electric and CNG options.

The green cess will be automatically deducted from vehicle owners' FASTag wallets upon entering the state. Joint Commissioner (Transport) Sanat Kumar Singh stated that the tendering process for the green cess implementation system is underway, with plans to operationalise it by the end of December 2024. The state will install automatic number plate recognition cameras to identify vehicles registered outside Uttarakhand, ensuring direct deduction from the FASTag wallet.

This move comes as vehicle owners are already facing challenges from rising maintenance costs and high fuel prices, adding further pressure on out-of-state vehicles travelling to Uttarakhand.

For more insights on upcoming cars in India, electric vehicles, and innovative technologies shaping the automotive landscape, stay tuned.