Jamshedpur truck owners seek end to ‘Danda Tax’ at WB border

Pioneer News Service

Jamshedpur

The long-standing issue of alleged illegal fee collection at the West Bengal border check-post was raised before the state government on Thursday, as a delegation of the Jamshedpur Truck and Trailer Owners Association met West Bengal Transport and Labour Minister Arjun Singh and Principal Secretary of the Transport Department Dr. Ravi Inder Singh (IAS) at the department headquarters.

The delegation submitted a memorandum demanding the immediate abolition of what it termed the “Danda Tax” and other charges imposed on commercial vehicles entering West Bengal. According to the association, the levies have been placing an unnecessary financial burden on transporters and adversely affecting freight operations.

The association highlighted that truck owners are being forced to pay an additional annual tax of ₹11,000, a monthly mechanical tax of ₹1,200, and ₹238 for vehicle weighing on every trip. The delegation claimed that such charges are unique to West Bengal and are not imposed in any other state, putting transporters operating through the corridor at a competitive disadvantage.

Transport Minister Arjun Singh heard the concerns in detail and assured the delegation that the matter would be examined on priority. He said the government would take appropriate steps at the earliest to provide relief to commercial vehicle owners and address their grievances. Principal Secretary Dr. Ravi Inder Singh also assured the delegation that the issues raised would receive prompt consideration.

The delegation comprised Association President Jasveer Singh, General Secretary Manish Kumar Singh, Patron Satbir Singh “Somu,” and member Vineet, who urged the state government to eliminate the disputed levies and ensure a transparent, uniform taxation system for commercial vehicles operating across state borders.