Former MP Avinash Rai Khanna Criticizes Himachal Pradesh Government Over Entry Fee Hike

Hoshiarpur(The Uttam Hindu): Former Member of Parliament Avinash Rai Khanna has strongly criticized the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to significantly increase the entry fee for vehicles arriving from other states, calling the move unjust and harmful to the public. Khanna said that the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to raise the entry fee for private cars, jeeps, and vans from ₹70 to ₹170, effective April 1, 2026. He described the decision as a direct burden on ordinary citizens and those whose livelihoods depend on transportation.

While targeting the Congress-led state government, Khanna alleged that the decision would put additional financial pressure on people traveling to Himachal Pradesh, especially transport operators and visitors. He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh is home to several major religious sites that attract devotees from across the country. Imposing higher entry fees, he said, would negatively impact pilgrims and could discourage travel to these important spiritual destinations. Khanna further termed the decision as unfair and urged the state government to reconsider and withdraw what he described as an unreasonable order at the earliest. He concluded by stating that policies affecting public mobility and religious travel should be carefully evaluated to ensure they do not place unnecessary financial strain on citizens.