…..construction of ICP gate is included in DLO’s annual work plan
Neten Dorji
Samdrupjongkhar— Congestion at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Samdrupjongkhar has become a daily ordeal, with trucks, cars, two-wheelers, and pedestrians competing for space along the narrow passage.
The bottleneck, caused by a single entry and exit gate, is worsened by frequent trips of foreign vehicles refuelling in the town.
The border gate at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Samdrupjongkhar handles an overwhelming volume of traffic daily.
Between 2,500 and 3,000 casual visitors, 250 day workers, and over 3,000 Bhutanese use the gate each day.
Vehicle traffic is equally staggering, with 2,500 Bhutanese cars entering and 2,450 exiting, while 1,300 to 1,500 foreign vehicles cross the border daily. Of these, approximately 70 percent come solely to refuel, taking advantage of fuel prices in Bhutan, which are Nu 30 to Nu 40 cheaper.
Some vehicles make up to 10 refuelling trips a day, exacerbating congestion.
The ICP, with its single entry and exit point, has become a bottleneck, unable to handle the daily influx. Residents and travelers are urging the government to upgrade the facility.
Proposals include a pedestrian terminal similar to Phuentsholing, a customs clearance office, a dry port, and expanded parking space to ease traffic congestion and streamline the process.
Residents believe that constructing a new Integrated Check Post (ICP) with separate entry and exit points for vehicles and pedestrians, similar to the facilities in Phuentsholing, would resolve the current issues.
Phurpa Wangdi, a businessman, expressed optimism, saying, “We are hopeful for modern terminal facilities like those in Phuentsholing. The new ICP, with promised amenities such as separate parking, a dry port, and more, was expected. Unfortunately, Samdrupjongkhar has been overlooked among the three thromdes.”
Another resident, Karma Choeda, highlighted the challenges faced by commuters, who often endure long waits in the rain or scorching heat while their documents are processed.
“Either the gate should be upgraded, or the practice of making multiple trips to refuel should be strictly monitored,” he said.
He added that tourists and travelers frequently face extreme heat while waiting in long queues.
With Samdrupjongkhar serving as the gateway to eastern Bhutan, residents emphasize that a modernised ICP is essential, particularly after tourists are allowed entry and exit.
Enhanced facilities would ensure smoother travel experiences and reduce congestion at the border.
With limited space at the existing main gate, the border gate at Samdrupjongkhar is struggling to manage an overwhelming influx of traffic and visitors.
Business owners and residents have called for bold decisions to relocate various agencies currently occupying the area to make way for the proposed Integrated Check Post (ICP).
“If the local authorities prioritise relocating DANTAK, the fuel station, and part of the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) colony near the main gate, there will be ample space to accommodate the proposed services,” a businessman suggested.
He further proposed that the governments of Bhutan and India could collaborate to construct an ICP gate with adequate parking facilities on both sides.
A tour guide highlighted tourists’ frustration with the lengthy processes and congestion at the gate.
“Although a counter for tourists exists, there are no resting facilities while documents are being processed,” he said. He added that the toilets are inconveniently located, and the overall infrastructure at the gate remains inadequate for visitors.
Regular commuter Tshering Phuntsho observed that the border gate is particularly crowded during weekends and holidays.
“Both sides of the gate are occupied by DANTAK. I believe that India and our government should collaborate to address the issue by relocating DANTAK,” he said, emphasising that such a move would benefit both nations.
He also pointed out that the narrow road leading to the Samdrupjongkhar gate from Darranga town and the limited parking space beyond the ICP gate contribute significantly to the traffic congestion.
Sources revealed that development activities in Samdrupjongkhar are being hindered by institutions and organisations holding onto land they own or occupying state-owned land.
The thromde has already offered DANTAK a relocation site in Montanga, but no decision or response has been received regarding the proposal.
The Department of Law and Order has included the construction of a new Integrated Check Post (ICP) gate at Samdrupjongkhar in its annual work plan, submitting it to the Prime Minister’s Office as a key development priority.
An official from the department informed Kuensel that the design and drawing phase is planned for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
“Drawing from the experience of the ICP and pedestrian terminal in Phuentsholing, we aim to construct a superior facility at Samdrupjongkhar with advanced infrastructure and modern amenities,” he said, adding that the proposed ICP will feature improvements, including a pedestrian terminal that surpasses existing facilities in Phuentsholing.
The official, however, noted that the design and construction will depend on available space and site conditions.
“We plan to complete 10 percent of the ICP construction by the fiscal year 2025-2026,” he said.
The proposed budget for the Samdrupjongkhar ICP is Nu 300 million, with funding support from the Government of India.