Protesters against Himachal Pradesh’s entry tax reignited their agitation on Saturday, blocking toll collection on the Kiratpur–Manali highway and halting traffic. The demonstration, led by the Sangarsh Committee, aimed to pressure state governments to resolve the long-standing dispute over the tax imposed on commercial vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that activists gathered at the Gara Mora NHAI toll plaza, declaring it open for commuters for several hours. The protesters vowed to continue their blockade until they received concrete assurances from either the Himachal Pradesh government to withdraw the tax or the Punjab government to implement a reciprocal levy.
Protesters Demand Resolution on Entry Tax
Gaurav Rana, a leader of the Sangarsh Committee, stated that the toll plaza would remain free for travellers until a clear assurance regarding the removal of the entry tax was provided by the authorities or reciprocal measures were taken. He expressed dissatisfaction with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), alleging its failure to initiate any action despite repeated appeals from affected parties. Rana highlighted that the NHAI toll plaza was made free because the authority had not intervened to remove Himachal’s entry tax barriers from its road network, leading to a dual burden on commuters.
The current protest marks a significant escalation in an agitation that has been gaining momentum, particularly among taxi operators and small transporters from Punjab. These stakeholders claim to be disproportionately affected by the tax, asserting that Himachal Pradesh has exempted vehicles registered within the state while disadvantaging commercial vehicles from Punjab. Taxi drivers who frequently operate between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have voiced their concerns, stating that the entry tax substantially increases their operational costs, rendering their services less competitive compared to vehicles based in Himachal Pradesh.
One taxi operator, speaking anonymously at the protest, said, “We are being pushed out of livelihood. Passengers prefer local Himachal taxis because we have to charge more due to the entry tax. It is an uneven playing field.” The disparity in taxation has raised broader concerns about economic fairness and the need for better interstate coordination. Transporters argue that the one-sided imposition of entry tax by Himachal Pradesh, without a corresponding system in Punjab, creates an unjust financial burden.
In the preceding weeks, various unions and farmer-backed groups had organised protests and issued warnings, demanding the abolition of the entry tax. The Sangarsh Committee has emerged as a unifying platform for taxi unions, traders, and local residents whose livelihoods depend on cross-border movement. Despite the increasing unrest and the disruption to toll operations, no formal resolution has been reached between the states. Officials from both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have adopted a cautious approach, with no immediate policy changes announced. However, the sustained protests, now directly impacting highway toll collection, are expected to intensify pressure on the concerned governments to engage in constructive dialogue.
Highway Disruption Impacts Commuters and Trade
The Kiratpur–Manali highway serves as a vital artery connecting Punjab to Himachal Pradesh and other northern regions, carrying substantial volumes of tourist and commercial traffic. Any disruption on this route not only inconveniences daily commuters but also has wider ramifications for the tourism and trade sectors of the region. As the agitation intensifies, protest leaders have indicated a willingness to escalate their campaign further if their demands are not addressed promptly by the authorities. The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for a mutually agreeable solution to the entry tax issue to ensure smooth transit and economic stability in the border regions.
The Chenab Times News Desk