Himachal Pradesh's vehicle entry tax hike sparks protests in Punjab
Himachal Pradesh is hiking entry taxes from April 1, 2026, for many categories of non-Himachal-registered vehicles — private cars will now pay ₹170 (up from ₹70), minibusses ₹320, commercial busses ₹600, and heavy goods vehicles ₹900 — while some categories (for example, double-axle busses and trucks) remain at the existing rate.
Punjab's government and opposition aren't happy, calling out the move under the Himachal Pradesh Toll Act as unfair to visitors and commuters.
What this tax hike means for you
This tax hike could make road trips to Himachal pricier and hurt tourism, business ties, and daily travel between the two states.
Punjab leaders say it's "unconstitutional" on national highways and are ready to take it up with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari or even the Supreme Court.
Protests are brewing on both sides of the border, so if you're planning a trip or have family in either state, this could affect your plans soon.