The surge in vehicle bookings following the government’s decision to lift the vehicle import moratorium raises serious concerns about Bhutan’s transportation system and its long-term sustainability.

With over hundreds of cars booked, including luxury vehicles like Toyota Land Cruisers priced at Nu 24.89 million, it is evident that our appetite for private cars remains high. This trend forces us to confront a pressing question: do we have the infrastructure to accommodate more vehicles, or should we rethink our approach to transportation altogether?

Our urban areas, particularly Thimphu, are already struggling with congestion and limited parking spaces. Every new car adds to the problem, creating more traffic, pollution, and pressure on our road infrastructure. While the convenience of owning a car is undeniable, it is clear that we are not equipped to handle an unchecked rise in vehicle numbers. More cars mean greater fuel consumption, higher carbon emissions, and a heavier import burden on an already fragile economy. Continuing down this path without strategic planning would be irresponsible.

Instead, we must urgently shift our focus towards developing an efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly public transport system. Public transport not only reduces the need for personal vehicles but also provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution to urban mobility. Investment in buses, electric or otherwise, as well as the expansion of routes, could drastically ease congestion and reduce environmental degradation. Additionally, improving public transport services to cover more areas and meet the needs of a growing population is crucial for Bhutan’s future.

We should rethink the types of vehicles that we are importing. The recent bookings of high-end vehicles such as Land Cruisers and Toyota Hiluxes demonstrate that consumer preference is skewed towards expensive, fuel-intensive models. The government should look into promoting the import of electric or hybrid vehicles, which are far more suitable for a nation that prides itself on environmental conservation. Encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

However, regulating the import of vehicles should not be based solely on engine capacity, which has been the primary criterion for restrictions in the past. A broader and more nuanced policy is needed—one that factors in fuel efficiency, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability. For instance, vehicles with low emissions, regardless of engine size, should be encouraged over larger, fuel-guzzling models. The government’s role here is critical in setting the right policies and incentives to promote sustainable vehicle imports while ensuring that our roads and environment are protected from further strain.

The lifting of the moratorium should have been accompanied by more stringent measures to address these concerns. Without a well-thought-out transportation policy, we risk flooding our roads with vehicles that neither serve the public good nor contribute to Bhutan’s broader goals of sustainability and self-reliance.

It is time for the government to take decisive action to curb unnecessary imports and focus on creating a modern, efficient public transport system that benefits all citizens. Failing to do so would be a missed opportunity to steer the country towards a more sustainable future.