New Environmental Tax for Out-of-State Vehicles

The Uttarakhand government is set to introduce a green cess on vehicles entering the state from outside. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly travel by discouraging excessive vehicle usage while encouraging the adoption of electric and CNG vehicles.

Key Highlights of the Green Cess

• Cess Amount: Charges will range from ₹20 to ₹80, depending on the vehicle type.
• Exemptions: Electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, two-wheelers, ambulances, and fire trucks will not be subject to this cess.
• Automatic Collection: Non-local vehicles will be identified using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, and the charge will be deducted directly from FASTag wallets.

Cess Rates Based on Vehicle Type

• Three-wheelers: ₹20
• Four-wheelers: ₹40
• Medium vehicles: ₹60
• Heavy vehicles: ₹80

Flexible Payment Options for Vehicle Owners

Owners will have the option to choose extended validity passes:

• Quarterly Pass: 20 times the daily rate
• Annual Pass: 60 times the daily rate

Implementation Timeline

According to Joint Commissioner (Transport) Sanat Kumar Singh, the tendering process has started, and the system is expected to be operational by the end of December.

This green tax initiative aligns with Uttarakhand’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce vehicular pollution and protect the region’s ecologically sensitive zones.