International tourists can now seamlessly enter and exit Bhutan through the eastern border town of Samdrupjongkhar, following the grand inauguration of the Darranga Immigration Check Post (ICP) in Assam yesterday.
The ceremony, a significant milestone for cross-border connectivity, was graced by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Assam’s Governor, Lakshman Prasad Acharya. Held at the state-of-the-art Darranga ICP complex, the new facility is managed by the Land Ports Authority of India and marks a pivotal advancement in enhancing tourism and regional connectivity.
With the establishment of the Darranga ICP, Bhutan now boasts two land-based entry and exit points for international visitors. Operating around the clock, the ICP will streamline the movement of third-country nationals across the Bhutan-India border, anticipated to invigorate tourism in Bhutan’s eastern regions.
Samdrupjongkhar, the gateway to prominent eastern Bhutanese towns such as Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Mongar, Lhuentse, and Pemagatshel, stands to benefit immensely from this development. These areas, celebrated for their rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, have long been underexplored, and the new ICP is expected to attract a surge of tourists eager to experience their unique offerings.
During the inauguration, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperative spirit between Bhutan and India. “Our focus remains on enhancing connectivity, developing border infrastructure, and strengthening people-to-people ties,” he remarked. Acharya further assured that the Indian government is dedicated to expanding mutually beneficial partnerships across various sectors.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay emphasized the ICP’s role in stimulating economic growth and tourism in eastern Bhutan. “The operationalisation of the Darranga ICP will not only boost tourism but also establish a robust tourism circuit between Bhutan and Assam,” he stated, underscoring the initiative’s potential to transform regional travel dynamics.
Eastern Bhutan is renowned for its spiritually significant sites, including the Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse—a revered pilgrimage destination—and the impressive 154-foot bronze statue of Guru Padmasambhava in Takila, Lhuentse. These landmarks offer visitors an immersive experience into Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural traditions amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, hailed the opening of the Darranga ICP as a crucial step forward for Bhutan’s tourism sector. “With the official opening of the Samdrupjongkhar entry and exit point, we are eager to welcome travelers to explore the unique experiences this region offers,” Rinzin stated. He added that eastern Bhutan’s exquisite textiles, traditional cuisine, and renowned hospitality would provide visitors with memorable journeys year-round.
Despite delays that pushed the ICP’s opening beyond its initial September target, the event proceeded successfully, marking a new chapter for regional tourism. Tour operators, who previously had to reroute tourists from Paro to Yonphula due to the ICP’s delay, expressed optimism about the new gateway’s potential to enhance travel experiences and economic prospects.
The inauguration was attended by Opposition Leader Dasho Pema Chewang, the Consul General of Bhutan in Guwahati, senior ministers from India’s Central Government, the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, and various officials from the Assam State Government. Prime Minister Tobgay had the honor of being the first to receive his passport stamp at the new ICP, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for Bhutan-India tourism relations.
As Bhutan opens its doors wider to the world, the Darranga Immigration Check Post stands as a testament to the enduring collaboration between Bhutan and India, promising enriched cultural exchanges and sustained economic growth for the region.
