Apple transport rates fixed in Shimla district: Strict action against overcharging unions warned
Shimla, July 23,
With the apple season at its peak in Shimla district, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has notified the official transport rates for apple box movement in 2025. The administration has also warned of strict legal action against transport unions or vehicle operators found overcharging beyond the fixed rates.
The rates have been determined based on the per kilometer/per quintal formula and vary according to the type of vehicle and destination. According to the notification:
₹0.90 per quintal/km has been fixed for trucks and similar heavy vehicles transporting apples to Delhi.
₹1.30 per quintal/km has been set for truck and other vehicle transport up to Chandigarh.
Pick-up (4-wheeler) vehicles have been allotted two slabs — ₹2.30 per quintal/km for distances up to 20 km, and ₹2.50 per quintal/km for distances exceeding 20 km.
For Eicher vehicles (like Tata 407), the fixed rate is ₹1.30 per quintal/km.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that these rates are being enforced to regulate transport during the critical harvesting and marketing period, and to prevent arbitrary pricing that could harm the interests of orchardists.
He emphasized that any violation of these rates — including overcharging or coercive collection by transport unions — will attract legal action under relevant laws. The administration has also urged farmers and commission agents to report cases of overcharging so appropriate measures can be taken.
Shimla district contributes significantly to Himachal Pradesh’s apple economy, and every year, lakhs of apple boxes are transported to major markets across North India. Ensuring fair transport rates is crucial to protecting the earnings of fruit growers, many of whom rely on rented vehicles to send their produce to mandis.
The district administration’s move is aimed at curbing long-standing complaints about cartelization and arbitrary freight demands, especially during peak season pressure.
Farmers and stakeholders can obtain full rate details from the local SDM offices or the horticulture department, and are advised to retain transport bills and proof of payment in case of dispute.
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