Shimla sealed, restricted roads: Rs 10,000 fine, new pass system in Amendment Bill 2026

Shimla sealed, restricted roads: Rs 10,000 fine, new pass system in Amendment Bill 2026

Shimla, April 1,

Movement on sealed and restricted roads in Shimla is set to come under a stricter permit regime with higher penalties, as the state government tabled the Shimla Road Users and Pedestrians (Public Safety and Convenience) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Vidhan Sabha. The bill seeks to amend the existing 2007 law governing vehicular movement and pedestrian safety in the city.

Under the proposed amendments, vehicles will require valid passes for entry on sealed and restricted roads, with clearly defined procedures for application and renewal. A fee structure has been introduced, including a processing charge for applications and an annual fee of Rs 2,500 per road for private vehicles using sealed roads. The bill also provides for issuance of temporary passes for limited durations in specific cases, including official requirements and other permitted activities.

Also read: Time to open restricted roads

Penalties for violations have been significantly revised. Driving without a valid pass on restricted roads will attract a fine of Rs 5,000, while the penalty for sealed roads has been proposed at Rs 10,000. Violations of pass conditions may lead to a fine of up to Rs 2,000 or simple imprisonment of up to 10 days. The bill also enables authorised police officers to compound certain offences on the spot.

The amendment further lays down administrative provisions for processing passes through designated authorities, including the Home Department, and specifies documentation requirements for both private and government vehicles. Provisions have also been included for elected representatives and government functionaries in relation to issuance and renewal of passes.

According to the statement of objects and reasons, the amendment aims to regulate vehicular movement on sealed and restricted roads in Shimla and to formalise procedures, fees and enforcement mechanisms under the existing legal framework.

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