Shimla, March 30
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday that the state had not introduced a new entry tax, but had only increased an existing levy that has been in place for nearly three decades.
Speaking in the Vidhan Sabha, Sukhu said the recent hike would be “rationalised soon” and added that the increase was largely linked to the integration of the tax with the FASTag system on national highways.
He said the revised levy would have little impact on small vehicles, while larger vehicles would see a rise of ₹40, taking the charge from ₹130 to ₹170.
The chief minister also said relief would be given to residents living within a 5km radius of entry points, with passes to be issued to reduce the burden on local commuters.
The issue was raised in the assembly by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who said the increase, due to take effect from 1 April, had triggered tensions with neighbouring Punjab.
Thakur told the House that the move had drawn a warning of retaliatory action from Punjab, raising fears of friction between the two states and possible inconvenience for Himachal residents travelling across the border.
He urged the state government to hold talks with the Punjab government and resolve the matter quickly, saying the tax hike had also upset taxi operators and tourism stakeholders, particularly over vehicles registered outside Himachal Pradesh.
BJP MLA Randhir Sharma also expressed concern, saying the government should consult contractors and other stakeholders before implementing any rationalisation, as tenders had already been awarded.
He said protests were already taking place in border areas and claimed some groups in Punjab had warned of possible border blockades from the night of 31 March.
Sharma urged the government to find a solution within a day to prevent any deterioration in the law and order situation.
The issue has emerged as a fresh flashpoint ahead of the revised tax coming into force, with political leaders warning that any escalation at border points could affect both transport and tourism.
With PTI Inputs
