Shimla/Ghara Morha: What the government may have pushed as a revenue move is now being slammed on the ground as a thoughtless decision hurting the common public.
The entry tax and steep toll hikes imposed in Himachal Pradesh have triggered protests along the Punjab-Himachal border, with anger spilling onto the streets at Ghara Morh for the past two days.
Residents from both sides of the border have united in an unusual show of solidarity, calling out the policy as anti-people and economically crushing. The protesters allege that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government has turned daily mobility into a costly affair, with commuters forced to shell out up to ₹550 per trip—amounts that have increased up to four times in recent days.
Daily Life Turned Into a Toll Trap
For border residents, crossing into Punjab or Himachal is not occasional—it is routine. Patients frequently travel to AIIMS Bilaspur, while many depend on PGIMER Chandigarh for critical treatment.
Families remain split across states, attending marriages, funerals, and social obligations that demand frequent cross-border movement.
Religious travel too has taken a hit, with devotees visiting shrines like Naina Devi Temple now counting the cost before making the journey.
“Are we supposed to pay a tax every time life happens?” asked a protester, summing up the mood.
Leaders Out of Touch
The protests have also exposed a growing disconnect between policymakers and the people. Demonstrators pointed out that political leaders, whose vehicles are exempt from tolls and entry taxes, remain insulated from the financial strain faced by ordinary citizens.
“It’s easy to impose taxes when you don’t have to pay them yourself,” one protester remarked sharply.
Tourism at Risk, Retaliation Looms
Experts warn that the fallout may not remain confined to local commuters. Himachal’s tourism sector could take a hit if visitors begin to see the state as an expensive destination. There are also fears that Punjab could retaliate with similar tax measures, leaving people caught in a vicious cycle of rising costs on both sides.
A Policy Under Fire
What stands out is the growing perception that the decision was rushed and disconnected from ground realities. Instead of easing public movement, it has added a financial barrier to essential travel.
The message from the ground is blunt: roll back the hike or face a wider backlash. For now, the border protests are a warning sign—of a policy that many believe has gone too far, too fast, and at the cost of the common man.
