Shimla, February 16, 2026 – In a landmark move towards digital governance, the Himachal Pradesh Department of State Taxes and Excise has opened the online e-auction window for the allotment of retail liquor vends (Liquor Vends) and entry toll barriers (Entry Toll Units) for the financial year 2026-27. This marks the first time in the state’s history that the allocation of liquor shops and toll units will be conducted entirely online, without any requirement for physical presence.
This initiative forms a key part of the Excise Policy 2026-27 under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s government. The primary goals are to enhance transparency, ensure greater accountability, and promote ease of doing business in the excise sector.
Key Features of the E-Auction
- Fully Digital Process: All bids must be submitted exclusively through the online portal—no offline or manual bids will be accepted.
- Unit-Wise Bidding: Separate online bids will be invited for each individual retail excise liquor vend and toll unit.
- Mandatory Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Bidders are required to register on the portal using a valid DSC.
- Bid from Anywhere: Prospective bidders can participate from home or anywhere with internet access, eliminating the need to visit offices or auction sites.
- Official Portal: The e-auction link is available on the department’s website: www.hptax.gov.in.
Statement from Excise Commissioner Dr. Yunus
Excise Commissioner Dr. Yunus emphasized, “Bidders must register on the e-auction portal with a valid DSC. They are strongly advised to carefully review the Excise Policy 2026-27, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the user manual before participating.”
Helpline Support for Bidders
To assist participants, the department has issued dedicated helplines:
- Headquarters Helpline: 0177-2620426
- WhatsApp Helpline: 94183-31426
- Separate contact numbers are available for South, North, and Central zones.
Revenue Boost Expected
The government aims for a significant increase in revenue through this new system. Reports indicate a 10% hike in base values, which could push the overall revenue target close to ₹3,000 crore. The online format is expected to boost competition, attract more bidders, and drive higher bids.
A Model for Other States
While states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan continue with traditional auction methods, Himachal Pradesh’s fully digital model could set a national example—particularly in ensuring corruption-free, transparent allocations.
Advice for Prospective Bidders
Anyone interested in securing a liquor vend or toll unit in Himachal Pradesh should immediately visit the department’s website (www.hptax.gov.in), download the policy documents, and prepare their DSC. Act quickly, as the e-auction has a limited timeframe.
The Aabkari(Abkari) Times magazine occupies a unique niche in the Indian media landscape. As the only Hindi monthly magazine dedicated to alcohol, liquor, excise, and allied industries, it caters to a specific audience with a specialized knowledge base.
