In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the Uttarakhand government has announced the implementation of a green cess on vehicles entering the state from other parts of India.
Set to come into effect from December 2025, this policy aims to tackle air pollution and generate funds for environmental conservation across the Himalayan state.
The new taxation system will utilize advanced ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera technology at state borders, ensuring seamless and automated collection of taxes. With an expected annual revenue of ₹100-150 crore, Uttarakhand is taking a bold step towards cleaner air and sustainable development.
Quick Facts:
The Uttarakhand green tax is an environmental tax imposed on vehicles registered outside the state that enter Uttarakhand. This initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to maintain the ecological balance of the region, which attracts millions of tourists and commercial vehicles annually.
Unlike traditional toll systems, this green tax will be collected automatically through ANPR cameras installed at border checkpoints. Vehicle owners will be charged based on their vehicle category, with the amount directly deducted through the automated system. The policy reflects Uttarakhand’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while managing the environmental impact of increasing vehicular traffic.
The tax applies specifically to interstate vehicles and is designed to create accountability among vehicle owners for their environmental footprint when traveling through the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region.
The Uttarakhand government has structured the green tax based on vehicle type and size, ensuring proportional charges according to emission levels and road usage. Here’s a complete breakdown of the tax structure:
Vehicle Category | Green Tax Amount | Applicability |
Sedan / Car | ₹80 | Per entry into Uttarakhand |
Bus | ₹140 | Per entry into Uttarakhand |
Truck (Medium) | ₹280 | Per entry into Uttarakhand |
Big Trucks / Heavy Vehicles | ₹120 – ₹700 | Per entry (varies by vehicle capacity) |
Two-Wheelers (Petrol/Diesel) | ₹80 | Per entry into Uttarakhand |
Electric Vehicles | Exempt | No tax applicable |
CNG Vehicles | Exempt | No tax applicable |
Emergency Vehicles | Exempt | Ambulances, fire brigade, etc. |
For sedan cars and similar light motor vehicles, the green tax has been set at ₹80 per entry. This category covers most private passenger vehicles that enter Uttarakhand from neighboring states for tourism, business, or personal reasons.
Two-wheelers have been given special consideration in this policy. The government recognizes the growing adoption of eco-friendly transportation and has exempted certain categories to encourage sustainable mobility.
Commercial transport bears a higher environmental burden, and the tax structure reflects this reality:
The tiered pricing for heavy trucks ensures that larger vehicles, contributing more to road wear and emissions, are charged proportionally higher amounts. This structure aims to balance commercial needs with environmental responsibility.
The Uttarakhand government has shown environmental awareness by exempting specific vehicle categories:
These exemptions encourage the adoption of clean fuel alternatives and ensure that essential services remain unaffected by the new taxation policy.
Uttarakhand’s unique geographical position as a Himalayan state makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation. The state hosts numerous pilgrimage sites, tourist destinations, and sensitive ecological zones that experience heavy vehicular traffic throughout the year.
The influx of vehicles from other states, especially during peak tourist seasons, contributes significantly to air pollution, road congestion, and environmental stress. The green tax serves as both a regulatory measure and a revenue-generation tool to address these challenges.
By implementing this tax, the government aims to:
The financial aspect of this policy is equally important. The Uttarakhand government estimates that the green tax will generate ₹100 to ₹150 crore annually in additional revenue.
This substantial fund will be specifically allocated to:
This dedicated funding ensures that the money collected directly benefits environmental conservation, creating a positive cycle of responsibility and action.
Uttarakhand’s unique geographical position as a Himalayan state makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation. The state hosts numerous pilgrimage sites, tourist destinations, and sensitive ecological zones that experience heavy vehicular traffic throughout the year.
The influx of vehicles from other states, especially during peak tourist seasons, contributes significantly to air pollution, road congestion, and environmental stress. The green tax serves as both a regulatory measure and a revenue-generation tool to address these challenges.
By implementing this tax, the government aims to:
The Uttarakhand government has invested in modern technology to make tax collection efficient and hassle-free. ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras have been installed at all major entry points along the state borders.
These intelligent cameras automatically:
This technology eliminates the need for physical toll booths or manual verification, ensuring smooth traffic flow at border checkpoints while maintaining accurate tax collection records.
Once the ANPR system identifies an out-of-state vehicle, the green tax is automatically processed. The payment will be deducted from the vehicle owner’s linked account or payment method registered with the transport authority.
Vehicle owners are advised to ensure their contact details and payment information are updated with their respective state transport departments to avoid any complications. The automated system will send instant notifications confirming the tax deduction, providing transparency and record-keeping for travelers.
Understanding the practical needs of travelers and commercial operators, the Uttarakhand government has introduced a sensible exemption: if a vehicle re-enters Uttarakhand within 24 hours of its previous entry, no additional green tax will be charged.
This provision is particularly beneficial for:
The 24-hour window ensures that the tax targets long-distance and high-frequency users rather than penalizing routine cross-border movement.
The projected annual revenue of ₹100-150 crore represents a significant financial resource for Uttarakhand’s environmental initiatives. This estimation is based on:
The State Pollution Control Board will be the primary recipient of these funds, enabling them to:
Additionally, a portion of the revenue will fund comprehensive cleaning drives in tourist destinations, urban areas, and along major highways, ensuring that Uttarakhand maintains its reputation as a clean and green state.
For private vehicle owners, the green tax represents a modest additional cost when visiting Uttarakhand. A sedan owner paying ₹80 per entry will find this comparable to standard toll charges, but with the added benefit of contributing to environmental conservation.
Commercial operators, particularly in the transport and logistics sector, will need to factor these costs into their operational budgets. However, the automated collection system reduces time delays at borders, potentially offsetting costs through improved efficiency.
The exemption for electric and CNG vehicles provides a strong incentive for fleet operators to transition towards cleaner fuel alternatives, aligning business interests with environmental goals.
Tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand’s famous destinations should plan for this additional expense as part of their travel budget, knowing that their contribution directly supports the preservation of the natural beauty they come to experience.
Vehicle owners planning to visit Uttarakhand after December 2025 should take the following steps:
For commercial operators:
The Uttarakhand green tax on out-of-state vehicles will be implemented from December 2025. All vehicles registered outside Uttarakhand entering the state after this date will be subject to the applicable tax rates.
The following vehicle categories are completely exempt from the green tax:
Vehicles registered in Uttarakhand are not subject to this tax as it applies only to out-of-state vehicles.
The green tax is collected through an automated system using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras installed at Uttarakhand’s border entry points. When your vehicle crosses into the state, the cameras capture your number plate, identify your vehicle category, and process the payment automatically through your registered payment method.
The government has implemented a 24-hour exemption rule. If you re-enter Uttarakhand within 24 hours of your previous entry, you will not be charged the green tax again. This exemption applies only to re-entries within the 24-hour window.
The entire revenue generated from the green tax, estimated at ₹100-150 crore annually, will be allocated to:
The funds are ring-fenced specifically for environmental purposes, ensuring transparent utilization for ecological benefit.
Uttarakhand green tax is an environmental levy imposed by the state government on vehicles registered in other states when they enter Uttarakhand. Starting from December 2025, this tax aims to generate funds for pollution control and environmental conservation. The tax ranges from ₹80 for sedans to ₹700 for heavy trucks, collected automatically through ANPR cameras at border checkpoints.
The green tax rates in Uttarakhand are:
The green tax is collected through an automated ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system. Cameras installed at Uttarakhand border entry points capture vehicle number plates, identify the registration state and vehicle type, and automatically deduct the applicable tax from the vehicle owner’s registered payment method. No manual toll booths or stops are required.
No, not always. Uttarakhand has a 24-hour re-entry exemption rule. If you enter Uttarakhand, exit, and re-enter within 24 hours, you will not be charged the green tax again. The tax applies only once per 24-hour period per vehicle.
Once the ANPR system processes your vehicle entry and deducts the green tax, you will receive an instant notification via SMS and email to your registered mobile number and email address. The notification will include the amount deducted, date, and time of entry, and a transaction reference number for your records.
The green tax system in Uttarakhand is automated and mandatory. Non-payment or evasion may result in:
Ensure your vehicle’s payment details are updated with your state transport department to avoid automatic deduction failures.
No. The green tax applies only to vehicles registered in other states that enter Uttarakhand. Vehicles with Uttarakhand (UK) registration numbers are not subject to this tax, regardless of how many times they travel within the state.
The estimated ₹100-150 crore annual revenue from green tax will be used for:
The funds are dedicated exclusively to environmental purposes.
Can I get a refund on the Uttarakhand green tax?
Generally, green tax is non-refundable as it’s an environmental levy. However, if there’s a technical error resulting in duplicate charges or incorrect deductions, you may file a complaint with the Uttarakhand Transport Department with your transaction details for review and potential refund.
Yes, all tourist vehicles registered outside Uttarakhand must pay the applicable green tax. This includes:
Only electric and CNG tourist vehicles are exempt from this tax.
To ensure smooth automated payment:
Contact your state RTO helpline for assistance with updating details.
No, green tax and toll tax are different:
You may need to pay both when traveling through Uttarakhand on national highways.
Uttarakhand is charging green tax to:
The tax ensures that visitors contribute to preserving the natural beauty they come to experience.
Uttarakhand’s green tax initiative represents a progressive step towards environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. As December 2025 approaches, vehicle owners and transport operators should prepare for this new system while appreciating its role in preserving the natural beauty of the Himalayan state.
For the latest updates on the green tax policy, implementation guidelines, and payment procedures, visit the official Uttarakhand Transport Department website or contact your nearest Regional Transport Office.
By complying with this initiative, every visitor to Uttarakhand contributes directly to keeping the state clean, green, and sustainable for future generations. Plan your journey, understand the regulations, and be part of Uttarakhand’s environmental success story.
Travel smart. Travel green. Support Uttarakhand’s vision for a cleaner tomorrow.
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