FASTag implementation begins at key toll barriers in Himachal Pradesh, including Garamaura, Parwanoo, Tiara Bypass, Govindghat, Kandwal, Mehatpur, and Baddi, marking a significant step towards smoother and faster travel across the state.
Shimla, February 16, 2025: In a significant development aimed at easing traffic flow and enhancing the state’s revenue collection, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Saturday approved a phased implementation of the FASTag system at all entry toll barriers in the state. This decision is expected to bring relief to commuters traveling to Himachal Pradesh and streamline toll payments, reducing congestion at busy toll points.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, also focused on a range of other important issues, including the approval for an auction-cum-tender process for the collection of entry tax for the financial year 2025-26, a step that is expected to generate additional revenue of ₹11.56 crore compared to the previous year.
FASTag Implementation at Toll Barriers
One of the most significant announcements from the Cabinet meeting was the introduction of the FASTag facility at entry toll barriers across Himachal Pradesh. According to state Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, the FASTag facility will be implemented in a phased manner, starting with several key toll points in the state.
In the first phase, FASTag will be introduced at the following toll barriers:
- Garamaura (Bilaspur)
- Parwanoo (Main)
- Tiara Bypass (Solan)
- Govindghat (Sirmaur)
- Kandwal (Nurpur)
- Mehatpur (Una)
- Baddi (Solan)
The decision to implement FASTag is expected to ease traffic congestion at these busy toll plazas, especially during peak tourist seasons when the influx of vehicles increases. FASTag, a prepaid toll collection system based on RFID technology, will help speed up the process of toll payment, ensuring that vehicles do not have to stop for long periods of time. The move is also in line with the government’s push to enhance the convenience of commuters and reduce carbon emissions by minimizing idling time at toll points.
Revenue Generation and Auction Process
During the same meeting, the Cabinet approved the auction-cum-tender process for the collection of entry taxes for the year 2025-26. The Cabinet believes that this move will lead to an estimated additional revenue of ₹11.56 crore as compared to the financial year 2024-2025. This increase in revenue is expected to be beneficial for the state’s infrastructure development and other public welfare initiatives.
By adopting a transparent and competitive process for collecting taxes, the government aims to optimize the state’s revenue generation while ensuring accountability and efficiency in the collection process.
Special Maternity Leave for Female Government Employees
The Cabinet also approved a new provision for female government employees, granting them 60 days of special maternity leave in cases of stillbirth or the death of a child shortly after birth. This move is aimed at offering support to grieving mothers during one of the most difficult times in their lives. The decision has been welcomed by women’s rights groups and is seen as a step forward in promoting the welfare of female government employees in the state.
Education Infrastructure Upgrade
The Cabinet made several important decisions regarding the upgrading of educational infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the fields of higher education and technical training.
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Assistant Professors at Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College: The Cabinet approved the promotion of 16 assistant professor posts to associate professors in various departments at the Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College, Shimla. This move is intended to enhance the quality of education and provide opportunities for faculty members to advance in their careers.
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New Engineering and Technology Courses: The Cabinet also approved the introduction of new technical courses at two prominent educational institutions in the state. At Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College, Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra district, BTech (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) and BTech (Computer Science) courses will be introduced, along with the creation and filling of eight posts in various categories. This is expected to boost the state’s focus on emerging technologies and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields.
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Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Institute of Engineering and Technology: The Cabinet gave approval for the introduction of a BTech (Civil Engineering) course at this institute, located in Pragatinagar, Shimla district. The creation of seven new posts in various categories will also take place to accommodate the new course offering.
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New Diploma Course at Government Polytechnic College, Sundernagar: In a bid to strengthen technical education further, the Cabinet approved the introduction of a new diploma course in Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) at the Government Polytechnic College, Sundernagar, Mandi district.
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Department of Nuclear Medicine at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College: In a major boost to the medical education and healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a department of nuclear medicine at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College, Nerchowk. The decision also includes the creation of various posts, such as professor, associate professor, assistant professor, senior resident doctor, nuclear medicine technologist, and radiation safety officer.
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Assistant Professor Post at Dr YS Parmar Government Medical College, Nahan: The Cabinet also approved the filling of an assistant professor post in the immunohematology and blood transfusion department at Dr YS Parmar Government Medical College, Nahan.
Reforms in the Police Department
In an effort to streamline police services and ensure efficient law enforcement across the state, the Cabinet decided to classify all 135 existing police stations into six categories. The classification will be based on criteria such as population, area, major crimes, traffic, interstate borders, and the flow of tourists. The reclassification will also involve revising the staff posting to ensure that police stations are better equipped to handle local challenges.
Infrastructure Development: New Divisions and Centers
The Cabinet also took key decisions aimed at improving infrastructure and public services in various districts.
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New Jal Shakti Vibhag Divisions: The Cabinet approved the establishment of a new Jal Shakti Vibhag division in Kangra district, along with the creation of required posts. Another division will be established at Jagatkhana in the Shri Naina Devi Ji assembly constituency of Bilaspur district.
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New Fire Post at Nerwa: The Cabinet approved the establishment of a new fire post at Nerwa in Shimla district, which will enhance the state’s firefighting capabilities and reduce response times in emergency situations.
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New Primary Health Centre at Basheel: In a move to improve healthcare facilities, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a new primary health centre at Basheel in Solan district. This will provide better access to healthcare for residents in the region.
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New Sub-Tehsil at Loharghat: The Cabinet also decided to set up a new sub-tehsil at Loharghat, aimed at improving administrative efficiency and service delivery in the region.
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Reorganization of Namhol Sub-Tehsil: In line with its commitment to improving administrative functioning, the Cabinet approved the reorganization of the Namhol sub-tehsil.
Declaration of Pending Results
The Cabinet also approved the declaration of pending results for 699 posts across six post codes. These include posts for market supervisor, fireman, drawing master, clerks, lineman, and steno-typists. The announcement is expected to provide clarity for many candidates who have been waiting for results for these positions.
The decisions taken by the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet reflect a commitment to improving the state’s infrastructure, education, healthcare, law enforcement, and public services. With the introduction of FASTag at toll barriers, upgrades to educational institutions, and improved police services, the state is poised to make significant strides in its development agenda.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has emphasized that these decisions will not only enhance the convenience of citizens but also attract more tourists, create employment opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life in Himachal Pradesh. As the state continues to implement these reforms, it is expected to build a stronger, more sustainable future for its residents.
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