The Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest intensified on Monday as demonstrators blocked key interstate entry points just ahead of the revised toll policy set to roll out on April 1. The agitation caused major disruptions at border areas, highlighting growing public anger over the fee hike during the Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest.
Protesters Block Border, Traffic Comes to Standstill
A large group of protesters from neighbouring Haryana gathered early in the morning and blocked the Barotiwala entry point in Solan district around 8:30 am. The blockade led to a massive traffic jam that lasted nearly two and a half hours.
Police personnel from both Himachal Pradesh and Haryana rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Authorities temporarily allowed vehicles to pass without paying toll to ease congestion amid the Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest.
The protest saw participation from local leaders, panchayat members, and Block Development Committee (BDC) representatives, who raised slogans against the state government.
Key Demands Raised by Protesters
During the Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest, demonstrators submitted a memorandum to Baddi Tehsildar Jitendra Thakur. They demanded that no entry tax should be imposed on vehicles travelling within 5 kilometres of the Himachal–Haryana border.
Local panchayat member Ravi Kant Sharma criticised the government, calling the toll hike a “goonda charge.” Another protester, Laxman Das, pointed out that many residents frequently travel across the border for social and religious purposes, including visits to Haripur and Baba Balaknath.
Toll Hike Sparks Widespread Anger
The Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest follows the state government’s decision to revise toll charges for vehicles entering from other states. From April 1, cars, jeeps, and vans will be charged Rs 170 instead of Rs 70.
Light commercial vehicles and minibuses will now pay Rs 320 per day, while heavy construction machinery will be charged Rs 800. Protesters argue that the steep increase will burden daily commuters and affect cross-border movement.
Protesting groups have warned of intensified action if their demands are ignored. They have announced plans to shut down all entry points between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh from midnight on March 31.
FAQs
Q: What is the Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest about?
A: The Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest is against the increase in entry fees for vehicles coming from neighbouring states starting April 1.
Q: Why are people opposing the new toll charges?
A: People say the hike is unfair for those living near borders, which has led to the Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest.
Q: Where did the Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest take place?
A: The Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest mainly affected the Barotiwala entry point in Solan district.
Q: Will the Himachal Pradesh toll tax protest continue?
A: Protesters have warned of further road blockades if the government does not reconsider the policy.
