Inter-State Mining Truck Entry Fee Policy’ to strengthen Punjab’s border

Bhagwant Mann Government's Inititatives: Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the state government has taken a forward-thinking and historic decision. In mid-October 2025, the cabinet approved an amendment to the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013, under which an entry fee will now be charged on mineral-carrying vehicles entering the state. This fee will apply to trucks and vehicles bringing sand, gravel, and other similar minerals into Punjab from other states. This step will not only curb illegal mining but also strengthen the state’s economic condition.

Step towards preventing revenue loss

This decision by the Punjab government is a major step towards preventing revenue loss and protecting the local mining industry. For a long time, hundreds of trucks from border areas of Punjab were entering from states like Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir with minerals without paying any valid charges. This not only caused loss to Punjab government’s revenue, but also created economic crisis for local mine operators and crushing units. Now Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government has sent a clear message that the era of illegal mining and theft is coming to an end.

Aim of this policy

The main objective of this policy is to strengthen and modernize checkposts established at the state’s borders. The money received from this entry fee will be used for operation, monitoring, and maintenance of checkposts. The government is going to implement modern technology like ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, QR-code vehicle passes, and digital monitoring systems, through which every vehicle’s movement will be completely transparent and traceable. This will make the mineral transport system much more powerful, efficient, and accountable than before.

Punjab government's complete transparency in the policy

The Punjab government has ensured complete transparency in this policy. Each vehicle will be given a digital receipt (confirmation receipt) after depositing the entry fee, which will eliminate any possibility of irregularities or corruption. Thus, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government is creating an administrative model in which people’s interests are protected through technology and honest businessmen are encouraged.

Measures to stop exploitation of natural resources

This decision of the state government is not limited to just stopping illegal mining, but will prove useful for both state development and environmental protection. Where illegal mining led to reckless exploitation of natural resources, this policy will now control that tendency. Also, the revenue received from entry fees will be used for road improvement, environmental projects, and rural infrastructure, which will give new momentum to Punjab’s development.

Governance based on transparency and honesty

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has always advocated governance based on transparency and honesty. This kind of reform in the mining sector is not only an example of administrative improvement, but also shows that the Mann government does not hesitate to take difficult but necessary decisions in public interest. This step by the state government has also brought relief to those traders and workers who are engaged in legal mining activities and have been facing unfair competition for years.

‘Inter-State Mining Truck Entry Fee Policy’

It can be said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s new ‘Inter-State Mining Truck Entry Fee Policy’ will bring revolutionary changes in Punjab’s mining system. This policy will not only protect the state’s mineral resources, but will work in the interest of local industries, workers, and environment—all three. This step by the Punjab government is proof that a new era of governance has begun in the state—an era of transparency, accountability, and honesty.