The Nainital Municipal Board has temporarily suspended the collection of a newly introduced Rs 100 entry fee for two-wheelers after the decision triggered widespread criticism from residents, tourists and local representatives.

The fee came into effect shortly after midnight on Wednesday but was put on hold the following day after strong public opposition. Officials said the levy will remain suspended until the matter is reviewed.

New bike entry fee sparked immediate backlash

Under the revised rules, two-wheelers entering Nainital from outside the district were required to pay an entry fee of Rs 100.

Only motorcycles and scooters registered with the UK-04 registration series, which belongs to Nainital district, were exempt from the charge.

The decision quickly drew criticism, with many questioning the need for another tax in a hill station where visitors already pay parking charges and green tax.

Collection suspended after public protests

Following the backlash, Nainital Municipal Board Chairperson Dr. Saraswati Khetwal directed officials to temporarily stop collecting the entry fee from two-wheelers.

According to the Municipal Board, the proposal will now be reviewed before any final decision is taken regarding its implementation.

Officials said discussions with concerned authorities are expected before deciding whether the levy will be reinstated or modified.

Revised entry fee structure explained

The municipality had introduced a revised fee structure covering different categories of vehicles entering Nainital.

The proposed charges included:

• Rs 100 for two-wheelers registered outside Nainital district
• Rs 200 for four-wheelers registered within Nainital district
• Rs 300 for cars and larger vehicles from other districts and states

Local residents were also offered an annual pass worth Rs 800, allowing regular access without paying the entry fee each time.

Collection had started at the Tallital Lake Bridge, Barapathar, and Phansi Gadhera entry points.

Residents question fairness of the decision

Many residents argued that the policy unfairly affects people who belong to Nainital but currently live, study or work outside the district.

Since many locals own vehicles registered in other cities, they would have been required to pay the entry fee every time they returned home.

The proposal also attracted criticism on social media, where users questioned the growing number of taxes imposed on visitors to the popular tourist destination.

Tender process also comes under scrutiny

The controversy extended beyond the entry fee itself, with questions raised over the contract awarded for collecting the tax.

Several municipal councillors alleged that the 21-month collection contract was awarded to a Ghaziabad-based company before the matter could be discussed during a scheduled Municipal Board meeting.

Opposition members claimed the contract was finalised ahead of the board’s planned discussion, prompting protests and demands for greater transparency in the tender process.

Municipal Board to review the proposal

Municipal Board Chairperson Dr. Saraswati Khetwal said she was away when the issue surfaced but immediately instructed officials to suspend the collection of the two-wheeler fee.

She noted that although the proposal had already been notified through the official gazette, a detailed review would be conducted before any final decision is made.

The temporary suspension provides relief to commuters and tourists while the Municipal Board considers public feedback and examines the policy further.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was the Rs 100 bike entry tax introduced in Nainital?

The Municipal Board introduced the fee as part of a revised vehicle entry tax structure for vehicles entering the town.

2. Has the bike entry fee been cancelled?

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

3. Who was required to pay the Rs 100 fee?

Two-wheelers registered outside Nainital district (UK-04) were required to pay the entry charge.

4. Which vehicles were exempt from the fee?

Motorcycles and scooters registered with the UK-04 registration series were exempt.

5. What are the charges for four-wheelers?

The revised structure proposed Rs 200 for four-wheelers registered in Nainital district and Rs 300 for vehicles from other districts and states.

6. Where was the fee being collected?

Collection began at Tallital Lake Bridge, Barapathar, and Phansi Gadhera entry points.

7. Why did residents oppose the decision?

Residents argued the levy was unfair to locals whose vehicles are registered outside the district and said tourists already pay multiple taxes.

8. What is the controversy over the tender process?

Some councillors alleged the contract for collecting the fee was awarded before the Municipal Board formally discussed the proposal.

9. Will the entry fee return?

The Municipal Board is reviewing the proposal and has not yet announced a final decision.

10. Why is this issue significant?

The controversy has raised broader questions about tourism-related taxes, local governance, and transparency in municipal decision-making in Nainital.