Punjab drivers block roads in Himachal over entry tax hike, BJP MLA joins protest

Roads in Bilaspur came to a standstill on Saturday as residents from Punjab staged a massive protest against Himachal Pradesh’s revised entry tax on out-of-state vehicles . The demonstrators blocked traffic near Dehani , demanding that the state government reconsider the charges, which they say are causing hardship for taxi operators, private vehicle owners, and frequent travelers.

The protest drew added attention when BJP MLA Janak Raj arrived at the site and joined the demonstrators. He criticized the government’s decision, calling it “unfortunate” and not in the public interest . Raj stated that he had previously raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, but the Chief Minister remained firm on maintaining the tax.

The controversy began on April 1 , when the state government hiked the entry tax on small vehicles from Rs 70 to Rs 170 . Following widespread backlash, the government revised the rates. According to a notification issued on Thursday: passenger vehicles up to 12+1 seats would be charged Rs 100 , light commercial vehicles, mini buses, and six-tyre trucks Rs 320 , and 10–14 tyre trucks Rs 570 .

Despite the announced rollback, protesters allege that Rs 100 receipts are still being issued , effectively continuing the higher charges. This has fueled frustration among travelers from Punjab, who feel the government has not honored its own announcement.

Janak Raj warned that the agitation would continue until the government revises the tax policy , emphasizing that the move is causing unnecessary distress to residents of both states. The protest underscores the delicate balance governments must maintain between revenue collection and public satisfaction , especially in border districts where inter-state travel is frequent.