Good news for visitors planning a road trip to Uttarakhand’s one of the most visited hill stations Nainital. According to an India Today report, the newly introduced ₹100 entry fee for two-wheelers entering the town from outside Nainital district has been temporarily suspended following protests from residents, tourists and local public representatives. As soon as the rule was implemented, it garnered strong public reaction.What happenedThe entry fee came into effect at midnight on July 15. It came as part of a revised municipal toll structure and as per new rules, motorcycles and scooters registered outside Nainital district (that is, vehicles not bearing the UK-04 registration series) were asked to pay ₹100 to enter the town. However, after criticism increased on the act. From social media to local residents, everyone started objecting. Looking at the rising criticism, Nainital Municipal Board Chairperson Dr. Saraswati Khetwal ordered officials to immediately suspend the collection of the fee from two-wheelers.Reason behind the fee
Nainital
Nainital already collects an entry toll from vehicles entering the municipal area through designated checkpoints. As per official Nainital district tourism information, toll tax is collected at entry points such as Tallital and Sukhatal to regulate vehicle movement inside the town.The municipality also introduced revised charges for cars and other vehicles. Four-wheelers registered within Nainital district were to pay ₹200, while vehicles arriving from other districts and states would be charged ₹300. Local residents were offered an annual pass priced at ₹800.Officials had begun collecting the charges at toll points including Tallital Lake Bridge, Barapathar and Phansi Gadhera under a municipal contract.Why such outrage
Nainital
The rule didn’t go well with locals or tourists. Residents argued that the fee unfairly penalised locals whose motorcycles are registered outside Nainital because they work or study in other cities. Others said they would now have to pay every time they returned home despite being residents of the town.Tourists argued that the introduction of another levy in a destination where visitors already pay parking charges and green taxes. Social media too criticised the move.Official responseResponding to the backlash, Municipal Board Chairperson Dr. Saraswati Khetwal said she was away when the matter came to her attention. She instructed municipal officials to halt the collection of the ₹100 fee from two-wheelers until further review.What travellers should know before visiting Nainital
Nainital
The proposed ₹100 entry fee for two-wheelers has been put on hold.Existing entry tolls for four-wheelers continue as per municipal rules.Parking fees and other applicable local charges remain in force.Meanwhile, Nainital continues to attract travellers from across the nation for its beautiful landscape, pleasant weather and ancient temple. Sources: India Today, The CSR Journal, District Administration Nainital
