Shimla, April 1 -- Amid widespread outrage over a sharp hike in the border toll tax, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government on Tuesday said that all non-Himachal passenger vehicles (up to 12 +1 capacity) will now have to pay Rs 100 as an entry fee. The move comes in the wake of vehement protests by people from the neighbouring states over the Sukhu's government's earlier proposal to increase the entry tax for light motor vehicles, including cars, jeeps and vans, from Rs 70 to Rs 130, with Punjab even threatening to ban entry of Himachal vehicles and impose retaliatory taxes. "Keeping the general public's convenience in mind, the government has reduced the toll tax rate for passenger vehicles. Up to 12-seater passenger vehicles from other states will now have to pay Rs 100 as entry tax. The move is aimed at providing relief to commuters and improving accessibility," read a state government notification. The earlier notification had prescribed higher toll rates across vehicle categories, including Rs.130 per day for passenger vehicles (up to 12+1 capacity), Rs.200 for light commercial passenger vehicles, and up to Rs.900 for oversized multi-axle vehicles. The government has now also decided to extend the facility of concessional passes (tokens) to all residents living within a five-kilometre radius of any toll barrier. Previously, this facility was only available to Himachal residents. FULL REPORT ON P2...