Himachal-Punjab Toll clash: Punjab readies counter framework
Shimla/Chandigarh, May 24,
The simmering dispute over entry toll barriers imposed on vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh from Punjab appears headed towards a major interstate confrontation, with a detailed reciprocal toll framework now reportedly prepared in Punjab proposing levies on Himachal Pradesh private vehicles, HRTC buses and even official government convoys.
The proposed framework, prepared following a meeting between Punjab Government representatives and various organisations on April 13, 2026, reportedly seeks amendments to the Punjab Motor Transport Vehicles (Toll) Act, 1992 by invoking powers under Entry 59 of the State List relating to tolls.
According to the draft, Punjab may impose toll charges of up to Rs 5000 on official Himachal government vehicles, up to Rs 3000 on HRTC and other heavy passenger buses, up to Rs 2700 on heavy goods vehicles and up to Rs 700 on private cars entering Punjab.
The latest draft also reveals that Punjab is simultaneously considering an exemption-and-concession mechanism for specific categories of vehicles. Among the proposed concessions are exemptions for accredited press correspondents working at the state, district and sub-division levels in Himachal Pradesh, subject to production of identity cards issued by the Director of Public Relations, Himachal Pradesh. The draft further proposes concessional token-based relief for residents living within a 20-kilometre radius of toll barriers or adjoining tehsils sharing territorial boundaries with Punjab.
The document additionally contains provisions relating to quarterly and annual toll tokens, digital payment systems, toll receipts, lease of toll barriers, recovery mechanisms and penalties for violations, indicating that the proposal is being shaped as a full-fledged statutory framework rather than merely a political statement.
Sources associated with the proposal stated that the framework could potentially affect official vehicles attached to ministers, senior bureaucrats and state instrumentalities of Himachal Pradesh, though constitutional exemptions have reportedly been proposed for the Governor and Chief Justice.
Also read Punjab reciprocal tax on Himachal Vehicles under consideration after entry fee hike
The issue has gained momentum in Punjab over allegations that vehicles from the state have for years faced what organisations describe as “one-sided toll treatment” while entering Himachal Pradesh. Political observers believe that if implemented, the reciprocal toll regime could significantly alter interstate transport movement, escalate political tensions between the two neighbouring states and increase operational costs for Himachal-based transport services.
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