Truckers Stage Major Protest Over Arbitrary Entry Tax at Himachal Border
Truck drivers on Thursday launched a significant protest at the Garamaura toll plaza on the Punjab-Himachal border, vehemently alleging arbitrary and inflated entry tax rates. The demonstration resulted in a severe traffic jam on the crucial Chandigarh-Manali highway, disrupting travel for over two hours and leaving numerous tourists bound for Manali stranded in the congestion.
Allegations of Hiked and Inconsistent Charges
The core of the protest centered on accusations that toll plaza staff were charging non-Himachal Pradesh vehicles entry taxes at a hiked rate of Rs 800, a substantial increase from the previously established fee. Truck driver Kulwant Singh provided a detailed account, stating, "A fellow truck driver was charged Rs 800 as entry tax. When he protested, the toll staff reduced it to the previous Rs 570. I myself was charged Rs 800. The toll staff is charging arbitrarily, even though we were informed yesterday that the old entry tax would continue for 10 days pending a final government decision."
This inconsistency and perceived violation of assurances fueled widespread anger among the transport community.
Highway Blockade and Government Intervention
In response to the hiked entry tax rates, various truck, taxi, and Kisan unions from Punjab escalated the action by blocking highways at key entry points along the Punjab-Himachal border, specifically at Una and Bilaspur. The blockade created significant logistical disruptions.
The situation was eventually defused after officials from the Himachal Pradesh government intervened. They assured the protestors that their demand for lower taxes would be thoroughly examined and that the issue would be resolved within a 10-day timeframe. Following these assurances, the protesting unions agreed to lift the highway blockade.
Toll Staff's Defense and Traffic Clearance
On the other side of the dispute, staff at the entry tax toll plaza defended their actions, claiming they were merely implementing the tax rates as decided by the Himachal Pradesh state government for non-HP vehicles. They asserted they were following official directives.
As commuter complaints mounted due to the traffic standstill, police and administrative officials from the border districts of both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab swiftly arrived at the scene. Their coordinated efforts were successful in clearing the traffic jam and restoring normal flow on the highway.
Background on the Revised Tax Rates
The protest follows recent rationalised and revised entry tax rates issued by the Himachal Pradesh government, which came after protests on Wednesday. According to the new structure:
- All non-HP passenger vehicles with a sitting capacity of up to 12 persons are charged Rs 100.
- Light commercial vehicles with up to two axles are charged Rs 320.
- Three-axle commercial vehicles are charged Rs 570.
The truckers' protest highlights the ongoing tension and confusion regarding the implementation of these revised rates, underscoring the need for clear communication and consistent enforcement to prevent future disruptions on this vital transportation corridor.
