Nainital Suspends ₹100 Entry Fee for Two-Wheelers After Public Backlash

The Nainital Municipal Board has temporarily suspended the collection of a newly introduced ₹100 entry fee on two-wheelers following widespread criticism from residents, tourists and local representatives.

The fee, which came into effect at midnight on Wednesday, required motorcycles and scooters entering Nainital from outside the district to pay an entry charge. However, after public protests and political objections, Municipal Board Chairperson Dr Saraswati Khetwal directed officials to halt the collection until the matter is reviewed.

What Was the New Entry Fee?

Under the revised entry fee structure:

• ₹100 for two-wheelers registered outside Nainital district.
• UK-04 registered vehicles (Nainital district) were exempt.
• ₹200 for four-wheelers registered within Nainital district.
• ₹300 for cars and larger vehicles from other districts and states.
• Local residents could obtain an annual pass for ₹800.

The fee collection had begun at:

• Tallital Lake Bridge
• Barapathar
• Phansi Gadhera toll points

Why Did People Oppose the Move?

The new levy drew criticism from both tourists and local residents.

Many residents argued that the rule unfairly affected families whose children study or work outside Nainital and own vehicles registered in other cities.

Others questioned the need for another charge in a tourist destination where visitors already pay parking fees and green tax.

The issue also sparked strong reactions on social media, with users sarcastically suggesting that authorities might next impose taxes on "walking" or even "breathing."

Tender Process Comes Under Scrutiny

The controversy extended beyond the entry fee itself.

Several municipal councillors questioned the decision to award a 21-month contract for collecting the fee to Ghaziabad-based MG Infra.

According to councillors:

• A Municipal Board meeting to discuss the proposal was scheduled for July 18.
• The contract was reportedly awarded on July 16, before the discussion could take place.

The decision prompted protests led by councillor Jitendra Pandey, who raised concerns over the tender process.

Municipal Chairperson Orders Temporary Suspension

Municipal Board Chairperson Dr Saraswati Khetwal said she was away when the controversy emerged and immediately instructed officials to stop collecting the fee from two-wheelers.

She clarified that while the proposal had already been notified in the official gazette, the matter would be reviewed after discussions with municipal officials before any final decision is taken.

What Happens Next?

The suspension is temporary, and the future of the entry fee will depend on the outcome of the municipality's review.

The issue has reignited debate over balancing tourism management, municipal revenue generation and the interests of local residents in one of Uttarakhand's most visited hill stations.

Key Highlights

• Nainital temporarily suspended the ₹100 entry fee for two-wheelers after public protests.
• The levy applied to motorcycles and scooters registered outside Nainital district.
• Residents and tourists criticised the additional tax burden.
• The tender process for fee collection has also come under political scrutiny.
• Municipal officials will review the proposal before taking a final decision.

FAQs

Why was the ₹100 entry fee introduced in Nainital?

The municipality introduced the fee as part of a revised entry charge system for vehicles entering the town from outside the district.

Who had to pay the entry fee?

Two-wheelers registered outside Nainital district were required to pay ₹100, while UK-04 registered vehicles were exempt.

Why has the fee been suspended?

The collection was temporarily halted following protests from residents, tourists and local councillors who objected to the levy.

What is the controversy over the tender process?

Some councillors alleged that the contract for collecting the entry fee was awarded before the Municipal Board could discuss the proposal in its scheduled meeting.

Is the entry fee permanently cancelled?

No. The fee collection has been temporarily suspended while the Municipal Board reviews the matter.