Assam Frontier Border Gates On India-Bhutan Border To Reopen From Sept 23

GUWAHATI: Assam frontier border gates on the India-Bhutan border at Samdrup Jhongkhar and Gelephu will reopen for tourists from September 23, for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak, a Bhutanese official announced.

The Himalayan kingdom's Director (law and order) of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Tashi Penjore, led a Bhutanese delegation to hold a meeting with Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) officials on Wednesday and later announced that the gates will be reopened after a gap of around two-and-half-year, said reports.

Penjore said the Bhutan government is reopening its borders between the Himalayan Kingdom and Assam for trade, commerce and official transit from September 23. "The border is being reopened as the COVID-19 scenario has improved, and provided the pandemic situation does not worsen, it will remain open for people as well as goods", said Penjore.

"Over the last two-and-half years, many officials on both sides have changed and we were not able to meet and establish friendship and person-to-person contacts which are essential for people residing along the border areas of the two countries. We look forward to more such visits," he added.

Penjore also urged Indian tourists to visit different places in Bhutan after entering the country through the Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar gates.

"Earlier, we only issued entry permits through Phuentsholing and Paro but now we have added three additional entry gates for tourists," he informed.

Penjore outlined a few new developments, saying a Substantial Development Fund (SDF) will be charged for improving services and infrastructure, besides environmental conservation. Plans by the Bhutan government for eco-tourism, bird-watching and other packages for visitors were also announced.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to facilitate seamless movement of travelers between the neighbouring countries has been chalked out.

A charge of Rs 1,200 will be levied on visitors who intend to halt the night and travel beyond the designated points, Penjore added.

The official appealed to the tourists to bring their voter ID cards and other relevant documents while visiting the Himalayan country.

The deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri district, besides BTC officials, were also present at the meeting held at the BTC Secretariat in Kokrajhar.

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