Residents push for new ICP to boost Samdrupjongkhar’s economy

Neten Dorji

Samdrupjongkhar – The border gate at Samdrupjongkhar is currently grappling with an overwhelming influx of traffic and visitors.

The border gate processes entry for around 2,500 casual visitors, 250 day workers, and over 2,000 Bhutanese daily. The daily vehicle count is equally staggering, with 800 to 900 Bhutanese cars and roughly 900 foreign vehicles passing through the main border gate every day. 

Foreign vehicles frequently making multiple trips to refuel in Bhutan exacerbates the problem. Fuel prices in Bhutan are cheaper by Nu 30 to Nu 35 than on the other side of the border, and some vehicles make up to 15 refueling trips, creating traffic congestion at the gate.

The existing Integrated Check Post (ICP), with its single entry and exit point, is not able to handle the influx. In fact, it has become a bottleneck. 

Residents complained about the lengthy verification and registration process, deterring casual visitors and regional tourists.

Local residents are urging the government to upgrade the border gate with facilities such as a pedestrian terminal, customs clearance office, dry port, and parking space.

Many argue that the gate should be developed with the same facilities as the one in Phuentsholing.

“The introduction of separate terminals for pedestrians and vehicles would greatly reduce congestion. There is a high risk of accidents since there is limited space for both people and vehicles,” Pema, a resident, said.

Another resident, Tashi, said that both outgoing and incoming commuters need to stand for extended periods in the rain or sweltering heat while waiting for their documents to be examined. “Given that the average summer temperature is 35 degree Celsius or even higher in Samdrupjongkhar, travellers often have to tolerate the extreme heat in long queues.”

A commuter, Phuntsho Wangdi, said that the border gate is mostly crowded during the weekends.

“Without facilities at the ICP, it is inconvenient not only for the neighbouring town of Daranga but also for Indians coming to Samdrupjongkhar,” he said.

Officials from the dzongkhag and thromde administrations acknowledge the need for a new ICP and revealed that conceptual designs are at the final stage.

Samdrupjongkhar Thrompon Thinley Namgay said the ICP will have a separate passage for vehicles and tourists and pedestrians.

“The ICP will be equipped with modern service amenities, including a separate parking and dry port,” he said. “Involving dzongkhag and thromde officials, we are finalising the detailed architectural and structural designs to be submitted to the government along with the estimated cost for approval.” The government has proposed a budget outlay of Nu 300 million for the Samdrupjongkhar Integrated Check Post (ICP) in the 13th Plan.