Protests have erupted near the Punjab–Himachal Pradesh border over the issue of entry tax at a toll barrier, leading to a major traffic disruption on the Chandigarh–Dharamshala National Highway.
Demonstrators staged a sit-in protest at the Mehatpur toll barrier in Una district by spreading mats on the road and blocking vehicle movement. The protest caused a complete traffic jam on the busy highway, affecting commuters traveling between Chandigarh and Dharamshala.
Residents from both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have expressed strong opposition to the alleged steep increase in toll charges. According to reports, the government reduced the toll rate for cars and small vehicles from ₹130 to ₹100 on Wednesday evening. Previously, the toll fee stood at ₹70, which sparked public dissatisfaction after the revision.
Protesters halted traffic at the Mehatpur entry point, forcing authorities to deploy police personnel at the site to maintain law and order. Another protest has also reportedly begun before Garmod on the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway, further escalating tensions in border areas.
Meanwhile, Nalagarh Congress MLA Baba Hardeep Singh addressed the issue through a live social media broadcast. He stated that misinformation was being spread regarding an increase in entry toll fees for vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh from neighboring states.
He claimed that such rumors have created confusion and unrest in border regions. The MLA also alleged that some toll management authorities were charging arbitrary fees, which he described as incorrect. The state government, he said, has clarified that no official toll hike has been implemented.
He urged toll operators to cooperate with the public to prevent inconvenience for travelers entering the state and warned that unfair practices could lead to consequences over time.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue monitoring the protests and traffic movement in the affected areas.
