Protests erupted at Himachal Pradesh’s borders with Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday after the revised entry tax was implemented, leading to traffic disruptions at multiple points.
Residents from neighbouring Punjab staged a 'chakka' jam at the Garmoda toll plaza on the Kiratpur–Nerchowk road in Bilaspur district during the morning hours. Protesters sought exemption from the entry tax for vehicles registered in border districts.
The protesters questioned why the entry tax was still being collected despite Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announcing a rollback. They argued that motorists should not be subjected to two separate levies on national highways.
"Himachal residents are our brothers and we have no fight with them, but Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu should clarify that when the rollback was announced on entry tax on small passenger vehicles, then why a receipt of Rs 100 is being given on entry since last night?” angry protestors asked.
They further argued that charging entry tax in addition to toll tax was unfair. “When we are already paying toll tax, there is no justification for another entry tax,” they said while refusing to lift the blockade.
Officials reached the spot and assured protesters that their concerns would be conveyed to higher authorities. The administration sought ten days’ time to resolve the matter, after which the blockade was lifted, nearly five hours and traffic movement resumed.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Sukhu had informed the Vidhan Sabha that the hike in entry tax for five-seater and 6–12 seater passenger vehicles would be rolled back. However, a notification issued later in the evening stated that, “keeping public convenience in mind, the toll tax rate for passenger vehicles has been reduced from Rs 130 to Rs 100.”
Earlier, on February 16, a notification had increased the tax for small passenger vehicles from Rs 70 to Rs 170. After strong public opposition, the rate was revised and fixed at Rs 130.
The Chief Minister had also told the Assembly that confusion was being deliberately created over the issue. He maintained that the increase was nominal for most vehicle categories and added that residents living within a five-kilometre radius of entry points would be given relief through special passes.
Protests were reported from several other border locations as well. Long traffic jams were witnessed since Wednesday morning at Kalka–Pinjore, Madhawala–Barotiwala, Baddi, and Nalagarh entry points.
The Ilaka Bachao Sangharsh Morcha organised a protest at the barrier in Mehtpur on the Himachal-Punjab border, disrupting traffic on the Dharamshala–Chandigarh highway.
Traffic movement from Una and Nangal via Santoshgarh was diverted, while congestion was also reported on the Bathu–Bathri route.
Leaders participating in the sit-in said they would continue their agitation until the toll barriers were removed. They claimed people would feel relieved only after the entry tax system was withdrawn.
The protesters also warned that they could join hands with residents of Punjab and Haryana to boycott the Himachal tourism season, and appeal to travellers to visit other states instead.
Meanwhile, police personnel were deployed at multiple sensitive locations to maintain law and order. Authorities said the administration was closely monitoring the situation and working to restore normalcy.
Also read: Top bureaucrats under scanner over land dispute in Himachal
Follow us
