Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Private Bus Operators Allege Tax Disparity, Seek Govt Action Over Punjab Route Charges
Tensions are rising between private bus operators and the Himachal Pradesh government as transport unions allege unfair taxation policies that are putting them at a financial disadvantage compared to state-run and Punjab-based buses.
Tensions are rising between private bus operators and the Himachal Pradesh government as transport unions allege unfair taxation policies that are putting them at a financial disadvantage compared to state-run and Punjab-based buses.
The Himachal Pradesh Private Bus Operators Union has voiced strong concerns over what it calls a “step-motherly treatment” by the state authorities. Speaking to the media, Union President Rajesh Parashar highlighted multiple tax-related issues that, according to operators, are affecting their livelihoods.
🚍 Corridor Route Charges Under Fire
One of the major concerns revolves around “corridor routes” — routes that primarily operate within Himachal Pradesh but briefly pass through Punjab. Despite limited use of Punjab roads, operators claim they are being charged daily entry fees of ₹200 for mini-buses and ₹250 for standard buses by the Himachal government.
Operators argue that such charges are excessive and not aligned with the actual route usage, adding to their operational burden.
⚖️ Allegations of Unequal Tax Policies
The union also pointed out a stark difference in road tax structures between the two states. For buses operating under special permits (such as for weddings, tourism, or pilgrimage), Punjab reportedly charges ₹3,259 from Himachal buses, whereas Himachal charges only ₹1,550 from Punjab buses entering the state.
Similarly, Himachal buses are charged ₹6 per kilometre in Punjab, while Punjab buses pay only ₹2.69 per kilometre in Himachal — a disparity that operators say reflects a lack of policy balance.
📉 Financial Pressure Mounting
Private operators are also feeling the pinch of rising fuel costs. The recent ₹6 per litre hike in diesel prices, introduced by the state government citing financial constraints and disaster relief needs, has further escalated operational expenses.
According to the union, each bus operator is now facing an additional monthly burden ranging between ₹10,000 and ₹17,000, making it increasingly difficult to sustain operations.
🗣️ Calls for Government Intervention
Despite repeated attempts over the past year, the union claims it has been unable to secure a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu or Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also oversees the Transport Department.
Operators are now urging the state government to take up the issue with Punjab authorities and establish a fair and balanced taxation framework.
🔍 What Lies Ahead
With growing dissatisfaction among private bus operators, the issue could soon escalate if left unresolved. Industry experts suggest that a collaborative approach between the two states is essential to ensure fair competition and sustainable public transport services.
