Discontent over the Himachal Pradesh government's entry tax has escalated, with a coalition of farmer bodies, traders, transporters, and civil society groups announcing a four-hour chakka jam at 55 entry and exit points along the Punjab-Haryana-Himachal borders on June 1. The call was given at a meeting held under the banner of the Himachal Entry Tax Virudh Sangharsh Committee at Nurpur Bedi, attended by prominent social and trade activists.
Details of the Blockade
The blockade, scheduled from 11 am to 3 pm, will cover key border points connecting Himachal Pradesh with Punjab and Haryana. Organisations backing the protest include Punjab Morcha, Kirti Kisan Morcha, Sher-e-Punjab Kisan Union, and BKU (Behramke). Nihang groups led by Baba Achhar Singh Mahakal have also extended support.
Background of the Agitation
The agitation stems from Himachal Pradesh's revised toll and entry tax structure for 2026-27. Under the HP Tolls Act, 1975, the state proposed raising entry charges for light motor vehicles from Rs 70 to Rs 170 from April 1. Charges for commercial vehicles were pegged as high as Rs 600 for buses and Rs 900 for heavy goods vehicles per day, citing fiscal stress after the Centre discontinued the revenue deficit grant. The hike triggered protests earlier, with demonstrations and road blockades at key corridors such as the Nangal-Una stretch near Mehatpur toll plaza and the Chandigarh-Manali highway at Kiratpur Sahib, leading to traffic disruptions.
Facing pressure, the Himachal government later reduced the toll for passenger vehicles to Rs 100 per day and extended the rate to non-Himachal vehicles up to 12-seater capacity. Residents within a 5-km radius of toll plazas were also offered concessional tokens.
Protesters' Demands
However, protesters remain dissatisfied. Gaurav Rana, president of Punjab Morcha, said: "The rollback is inadequate. There are also complaints that contractors continue to charge higher rates despite revised orders. We demand complete withdrawal of the entry tax."
The Sangharsh Committee has alleged that toll barriers on NHAI roads are illegal and has sought reciprocal taxation on Himachal-registered vehicles entering Punjab. Leaders warned of intensified action, including a possible boycott and permanent checkpoints, if the levy is not scrapped.
Advocate Utash Moga from Nangal also released a draft proposal seeking reciprocal tax on Himachal government and private vehicles entering Punjab.
Impact and Government Response
Addressing the gathering, committee leaders termed the tax "anti-people", saying it adversely affects traders, transporters, farmers, industry, and daily commuters. They asserted that the June 1 protest would remain peaceful and urged widespread support.
The Himachal Pradesh government has not issued any fresh statement on the proposed blockade so far. With border areas bracing for disruption, the standoff is set to impact lakhs of commuters on June 1.
