Massive Traffic Disruption as Protesters Oppose Himachal Entry Tax Policy

Punjab-based taxi and truck unions staged a major protest against the recent entry tax notification issued by the Himachal Pradesh government, leading to a complete blockade of the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway on Saturday morning. The protest, which began around 9:00 AM, brought traffic to a standstill, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for several hours. Members of various transport and taxi unions gathered on the highway and staged a sit-in demonstration, disrupting vehicular movement on this crucial route connecting Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. As a result of the blockade, long queues of vehicles were seen on both sides of the highway. The disruption significantly affected tourists and daily commuters, especially those traveling towards hill destinations. Protesting unions announced that the blockade would continue until 8:00 PM and warned authorities of intensifying the agitation if their demands were not met. Demonstrators raised slogans against the Himachal Pradesh government, accusing it of implementing discriminatory policies that adversely impact transporters from Punjab and other states. According to union leaders, the recent notification exempts taxis and small commercial vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh from the entry tax, while similar vehicles from Punjab and neighboring states are required to pay the levy. Transporters, particularly those operating in border areas, claimed that the new tax regime has significantly reduced their business. One of the protesting drivers stated that the decision has severely affected their earnings, as tourists now prefer local Himachal vehicles to avoid additional charges. Leaders of the protest front, including Paramjit Singh Pamma and Gaurav Rana, termed the policy “illegal” and against the principles of fair trade. They alleged that the move unfairly favors local operators at the cost of those from other states. The leaders further stated that the Himachal government’s decision promotes monopoly by giving undue advantage to its own transport sector while penalizing operators from Punjab and other regions. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notification and called for a uniform tax policy applicable to all commercial vehicles, irrespective of their state of registration. The protesters also urged the Punjab government to intervene in the matter. Meanwhile, authorities were seen making efforts to manage the situation and divert traffic through alternative routes.