Chandigarh, October 15:
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken a visionary and historic step by approving a major amendment to the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013. The state Cabinet has given the green light to a new Inter-State Mining Truck Entry Fee Policy, which will come into effect from mid-October 2025.
Under this policy, entry fees will now be levied on mineral-laden vehicles entering Punjab from neighboring states. Trucks and vehicles transporting sand, gravel, and other minerals from Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir will have to pay this fee at the state’s border checkpoints.
This landmark decision aims to curb illegal mining, prevent revenue leakage, and protect Punjab’s local mining industry, which has long suffered due to unchecked cross-border mineral transportation. By implementing this fee, the Mann government seeks to end years of exploitation and ensure a fair, transparent, and accountable mining system.
Strengthening Borders and Revenue
For years, hundreds of trucks carrying minerals entered Punjab without paying any legal fees, causing significant revenue losses to the state exchequer and harming local mine operators and crushing units. The new entry fee system not only closes this loophole but also strengthens border monitoring to prevent unauthorized mineral transport.
The funds collected through the entry fees will be utilized for checkpoint operations, monitoring, and maintenance. The government has planned the deployment of cutting-edge technology, including ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, QR-code-based vehicle passes, and digital tracking systems to ensure full transparency and accountability in the process.
A Transparent and Tech-Driven Approach
Each vehicle entering Punjab will receive a digital confirmation receipt upon payment of the entry fee. This move eliminates the scope for corruption or manual manipulation, ensuring complete transparency. The Mann government’s approach combines good governance with technology, setting a new benchmark for other states to follow.
A Step Towards Sustainable Development
Beyond its economic implications, the new mining policy also represents a significant stride toward environmental protection and sustainable development. Illegal mining has led to large-scale depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. The revenue generated from entry fees will be reinvested into road infrastructure, green projects, and rural development, ensuring balanced growth across Punjab.
Mann Government’s Commitment to Honest Governance
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has consistently emphasized the need for transparent and accountable governance. This mining reform reflects his administration’s determination to make tough yet necessary decisions in public interest. The policy also brings relief to legitimate traders and laborers who have long faced unfair competition from illegal mining operators.
A New Model for India
Punjab’s Inter-State Mining Truck Entry Fee Policy is set to become a model for other states, demonstrating how technology-driven transparency and strict border enforcement can transform governance. By protecting the state’s mineral wealth, supporting local industries, and advancing environmental protection, the Mann government has signalled the dawn of a new era of responsible and reform-oriented governance in Punjab.
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