Punjab Prepares Retaliatory Toll Plan Against Himachal Over Entry Tax Dispute: BJP Spokesperson Ajay Rana.
Shimla:
The ongoing controversy surrounding entry tax and green tax barriers imposed by Himachal Pradesh on non-HP vehicles has taken a fresh political turn, with Punjab reportedly preparing a detailed draft proposal to introduce “retaliatory toll charges” against Himachal Pradesh vehicles entering the state.
Addressing the issue, BJP Himachal Pradesh spokesperson Ajay Rana said that for years Himachal Pradesh has been collecting entry tax and toll charges at border check posts from vehicles coming from outside the state. The charges have traditionally applied to private vehicles, small commercial vehicles, heavy vehicles, and official convoys entering Himachal Pradesh.
Revised Entry Tax Rates Trigger Political Tension
According to Rana, the Himachal Pradesh government recently revised the entry tax structure for non-HP vehicles, with significantly increased rates initially proposed in 2026. While government vehicles and Himachal-registered private vehicles received exemptions in several categories, the revised rates sparked protests, especially along the Punjab-Himachal border.
Following public opposition, the Himachal government reportedly reduced the earlier proposed entry fee for private vehicles from Rs170 to Rs 100.
However, the matter has now escalated, with Punjab preparing countermeasures in response to what it considers unfair taxation on Punjab vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh.
Punjab Draft Proposes Toll on Himachal Government Vehicles
Rana stated that after meetings held on April 13, 2026, between the Punjab government and various organizations, a comprehensive legal and policy draft was prepared regarding retaliatory toll collection from Himachal Pradesh vehicles entering Punjab.
The proposal was reportedly prepared with the involvement of ministers, legislators, and legal experts.
One of the most significant aspects of the draft, according to Rana, is that the retaliatory toll would not be limited to private vehicles alone. The proposal also includes provisions to impose toll charges on official vehicles belonging to the Himachal Pradesh government and its institutions.
Proposed Toll Rates
As per the proposed structure mentioned by Rana:
Light motor vehicles, official convoys, and escort vehicles of the Himachal government could face toll charges of up to Rs. 5,000 per entry.
Private cars of common citizens may be charged up to Rs. 700.
HRTC buses and other heavy passenger vehicles may attract toll charges up to Rs. 3,000.
Heavy goods vehicles could face toll charges of up to Rs. 2,700.
However, constitutional authorities such as the Governor and Chief Justice may be exempted from the proposed toll framework.
Digital Collection, Penalties Included in Draft
Rana further said that the draft also contains detailed provisions regarding:
Leasing of toll barriers,
Digital payment systems,
Annual and quarterly toll tokens,
Penalties for violations,
Recovery mechanisms for unpaid dues.
Certain categories of vehicles and individuals may also receive relief under special provisions.
BJP Targets Sukhu Government
Criticizing the Himachal Pradesh government, Rana alleged that Punjab’s move is a direct consequence of what he termed the “unjustified interference” and “short-sighted policies” of the Himachal administration.
He claimed that the increase in taxes on Punjab vehicles reflected poor planning and lack of foresight by advisors to the Himachal Chief Minister.
“This shows how irresponsible the advisors of the government are. They failed to anticipate the reaction and consequences of such decisions,” Rana said.
He warned that the dispute could have serious economic consequences for residents of Himachal Pradesh. According to him, goods transported from Punjab and other neighboring states could become costlier, while Himachal residents traveling outside the state may also face additional financial burdens in the form of retaliatory toll charges.
Rana urged the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government Himachal to intervene promptly and address the growing concerns of the public before the issue escalates further.
