Nihang group starts ‘Khalsa Tax’ collection in Punjab to protest Himachal entry fee
PTC Web Desk: Members of the Nihang organisation Tarna Dal have begun collecting what they call a "Khalsa Tax" from vehicles on the Chandigarh-Manali highway in Punjab, protesting the entry tax charged by the Himachal Pradesh government on vehicles entering the hill state.
The collection drive started on Wednesday at Kiratpur Sahib on the Kullu-Manali route. The Nihangs have also announced plans to block the highway near Morda village later in the day as part of their protest.
According to Nihang leaders, small vehicles, including cars, are being charged Rs 100, while light commercial vehicles are being asked to pay Rs 200. Larger vehicles are being charged between Rs 300 and Rs 500.
Defending the move, they said the money collected would be used for "Sarbat da Bhala" (welfare of all). He claimed that no one was being forced to pay and described the campaign as a peaceful protest against Himachal Pradesh's entry tax policy.
Nihang leaders criticise Himachal's entry tax
Responding to questions about the legality of collecting such a tax, a Nihang leader said the National Highways Authority of India collects tolls for building and maintaining roads, which they do not oppose. However, he alleged that the Himachal Pradesh government was imposing an unfair burden on visitors and transporters through its entry tax system.
He also warned that if the authorities attempted to stop the protest, the Nihangs were prepared to intensify their agitation.
The dispute revolves around the entry tax charged by Himachal Pradesh on vehicles entering the state. The tax is not a new measure and has existed since 1975 under the Himachal Pradesh Tolls Act.
Every vehicle entering Himachal Pradesh through designated entry points is required to pay the fee.
In 2025, the Himachal Pradesh government approved a modest increase in toll rates. From April 1, 2025, the charges for private and commercial four-wheelers were raised by around Rs 10, while some commercial vehicle categories saw an increase of up to Rs 20.
Following the revision, cars, jeeps and vans were charged Rs 70, vehicles with 6 to 12 seats Rs 110, tractors Rs 70 and heavy vehicles Rs 720.
In February 2026, the state government introduced a new toll policy proposing a sharp increase in entry charges across several vehicle categories.
Under the proposal, the fee for private cars and jeeps was to be increased from Rs 70 to Rs 170. Similar hikes were announced for taxis, tractors and goods vehicles.
The proposed rates included Rs 170 for cars, jeeps and vans, Rs 130 to Rs 170 for passenger vehicles depending on category, Rs 100 for tractors and up to Rs 900 for heavy vehicles.
The proposed increase triggered strong opposition, especially from Punjab and Haryana, as a large number of tourists and transport operators entering Himachal Pradesh come from these two states.
The Himachal Pradesh government defended the move, saying the additional revenue was needed to maintain and improve road infrastructure in the mountainous state.
As the controversy grew, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu intervened on March 31. The government decided to withdraw the proposed hike for private cars and certain passenger vehicles.
However, the debate over the entry tax has continued.
At present, the entry fee stands at Rs 100 for cars, jeeps and vans, Rs 130 for vehicles with 6 to 12 seats, Rs 100 for tractors and up to Rs 800 for heavy vehicles.
- PTC NEWS
