Guwahati: The India-Bhutan border crossings at Samdrup Jhongkhar and Gelephu along the Assam border will reopen to visitors on September 23 for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak.
A Bhutanese delegation, led by Tashi Penjore, the Himalayan kingdom’s Director (law and order) of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, held a meeting with Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) officials on Wednesday and announced that the gates will be reopened after a two-and-half-year hiatus, PTI reported.
As the COVID-19 scenario has improved, the Bhutanese government has declared the reopening of its borders for trade, commerce, and official transit as of September 23, pending no worsening of the pandemic situation, Penjore added.
“Many authorities on both sides have changed over the past two and a half years, making it difficult for us to meet and develop the kind of friendships and interpersonal connections that are crucial for those living near the two countries’ borders. We anticipate more of these visits “he added.
He advised Indian visitors to explore the country’s many regions after entering Bhutan through the Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar gates.
There are now three new access gates for tourists, he said, adding that before we only provided entry permits at Phuentsholing and Paro.
In addition to environmental preservation, he stated, a Substantial Development Fund (SDF) will be charged for enhancing services and infrastructure.
According to the PTI article, the Bhutanese government has planned ecotourism, birdwatching, and other programmes for tourists.
To ensure smooth travel, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been established.
He stated that travellers who plan to spend the night and continue beyond the specified locations will be charged Rs 1,200.
The official urged visitors to the Himalayan nation to bring their voter identification cards and other necessary documentation.
In addition to BTC representatives, the meeting was attended by the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police from the districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri.