Some transporters in Gelegphu involved in boulder export business are facing difficulty in finding Bhutanese truck drivers to work for them. They are requesting the government to allow Indian trucks to transport boulders from Gelegphu.
The matter was discussed during a recent meeting between the transporters, exporters and the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
The transporters reasoned that allowing Indian trucks would help revive the boulder export business in Gelegphu, which has failed to gain momentum after the government temporarily suspended the business in May last year. Locals along the Indian route harassing Bhutanese truck drivers and demanding extortion fees was another reason for the slow business.
One of the transporters said with booming boulder export business, the number of trucks in the country increased significantly. However, today, there are not enough Bhutanese drivers to match the trend.
“We are not able to control our drivers. Today I say something to my driver, tomorrow he goes to another company. Everybody is in need of drivers. We asked permission unofficially and we started with some few Indian drivers as they might be in a better position to go through the road and negotiate with Indian police and custom but then, to be honest, we have been fined,” said a Transporter from Gelegphu.
“We see a lot of potential in the deployment of Indian vehicles here in Gelegphu. If we just make use of the Bhutanese transporter alone then we are not going to benefit in any case. Neither I will benefit as a transporter, nor our community or the nation. It is going to be a big loss. In my view it is good if Indian vehicles are allowed,” added another.
They added there are no issues in letting Indian truckers ferry the boulders as long as a condition allowing Bhutanese drivers an equal opportunity is clearly outlined. However, the uncontrolled influx of Indian vehicles was identified as a possible risk.
According to the Secretary-General of the BCCI, a proposal from the exporters and transporters in Gelegphu was submitted to the Prime Minister last month. It included allowing Indian trucks to operate in Gelegphu. Besides, a uniform rate on stones from the Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited, extending the closing timing of Indo-Bhutan border gate to 8 PM and allowing Bhutanese trucks to carry loads in line with the trucks’ cargo bed level was also requested.
Karma Wangdi
