Jaisalmer to Introduce Tourist Vehicle Entry Tax After 22 Years

Tourists visiting Jaisalmer, the “Golden City” of Rajasthan, will now have to pay an additional entry fee for their vehicles. The municipal council has decided to impose a tourist vehicle tax for the first time in 22 years, following approval from the state government’s Department of Autonomous Governance. The new rule will come into effect once the official gazette notification is issued.

Toll Plazas at Key Entry Points
To collect the tax efficiently, toll plazas will be set up on two major routes into the city: Jodhpur Road and Barmer Road. These are the primary entry points for most tourist vehicles. According to the municipal council, these locations will ensure smooth and transparent collection of the fee.

A similar tourist tax was last levied in 2004, managed under a contract system. This time, however, the council will oversee the collection directly to ensure transparency, as stated by Municipal Commissioner Lajpal Singh Sodha.

Fee Structure Based on Vehicle Type
The tourist vehicle tax will vary according to the type of vehicle. Rates will range from a minimum of ₹50 to a maximum of ₹200, with different charges applicable for different categories of tourist vehicles.

Managing Tourist Season Pressures
During peak tourism season, Jaisalmer experiences a sharp increase in vehicle traffic, which places additional financial and logistical pressure on city services such as sanitation, road maintenance, and tourist amenities. The new tax is intended to help meet these rising costs.

Revenue to Support City Development
The municipal council expects the tourist vehicle tax to generate several lakh rupees annually, with higher revenue during peak seasons. The funds will be allocated to improve city cleanliness, maintain roads, and enhance facilities for visitors.

Boosting City Infrastructure and Tourist Experience
The council believes that the tax will provide necessary resources for city development, strengthen local infrastructure, and improve the overall experience for tourists visiting Jaisalmer.