Shimla, March 31: Facing heat from neighbouring states and escalating tensions along border areas, the Department of State Taxes and Excise has rolled back its recent toll hike and rationalised entry tax for vehicles entering the state.
The decision comes a day after widespread protests by various organisations in Punjab and Haryana, where demonstrators staged a blockade (chakka jam) and warned of a complete halt to vehicular movement to and from Himachal Pradesh starting the night of March 31.
According to the revised order issued under the Himachal Pradesh Toll Act and the new Himachal Pradesh Toll Policy, the government has fixed the entry fee for private vehicles (5 to 12 seaters) coming from outside the state at a uniform ₹100.
Earlier, the rates were ₹70 for five-seater cars and ₹110 for vehicles with up to 12 seats. However, in a recent hike, the government had increased the toll for both categories to ₹130, triggering sharp reactions from commuters and transport bodies in neighbouring states.
The rollback effectively reverses that hike and introduces a rationalised, uniform rate aimed at easing tensions and ensuring smoother inter-state movement.
The आदेश, issued by Dr. Yunus, Commissioner of State Taxes and Excise, has been circulated to field अधिकारियों across key districts including Shimla, Mandi, Palampur, Baddi, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Una and Nurpur for immediate implementation.
Officials have been directed to complete all codal formalities and enforce the revised rates without delay.
The move is being seen as a damage-control measure by the state government after border tensions flared up and the threat of transport disruption loomed large.
With the fresh notification, the government hopes to defuse the situation and restore normal traffic flow between Himachal Pradesh and its neighbouring states.
