The government is working to establish a system for Bhutanese vehicles to use FASTag, the Indian electronic toll collection system. It allows toll payments to be made directly from a prepaid or savings account linked to FASTag. Recently, Bhutanese vehicles travelling between Phuentshogling to southern towns in Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar have encountered issues with toll fees on Indian highways. Drivers are now required to pay in cash even if their FASTag balance is sufficient.
Bhutanese travelling on the Indian highways are unofficially using the FASTag system. However, the toll fares have increased from Nu 350 to 700 per toll gate, making the journeys costly.
Commuters travelling via the Indian highways feel that being charged double in cash is unfair and affects them.
‘‘It is supposed to be Nu 350 here, but they are charging us double. We thought the payment would be done through the card and did not bring cash. Now, they are charging us double, saying the card won’t work. For heavy vehicles, one trip costs more than Nu 4,000,” said Kinley, a driver from Nganglam, Pema Gatshel.
‘’They are asking Nu 700 in cash with every stop at the toll gates. We still have to cross six more gates. With my salary, I cannot afford to pay this amount,’’ said Kinley Sherpa, another driver from Nganglam, Pema Gatshel.
However, there’s some good news. During the 9th Meet-the-Press session on 25th October, the foreign minister said that works are underway to resolve the issue.
The foreign ministry is working with the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure that Bhutanese vehicles can use the FASTag system.
‘‘We have requested that Bhutanese could also come to this system of FASTag. While there is acceptance from the Government of India, the practical difficulties are being worked out at the moment. Number one is the documentation. To be recognised, we have to share a lot of information. We are discussing with the GovTech at the moment. Number two is the payment modality, and the Indian currency is being used. Now, for all these things, the discussion has to be held with RMA,” said D.N. Dhungyel, Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister.
Additionally, the infrastructure and transport minister said that they are exploring long-term solutions since this issue will continue as commuters travel on Indian highways daily.
‘‘FASTag has been a challenge in both Assam and West Bengal. However, the double charge issue is only in Assam. To solve the issue in the long run, we plan to complete the Nganglam to Dewathang section of the Southern East-West Highway by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. We are also conducting a feasibility study for the Lhamoizingkha-Samdrup Jongkhar Highway and have started the feasibility study for the 14-kilometre Gelephu-Tareythang Highway with ADB,’’ said Chandra Bdr. Gurung, Infrastructure and Transport Minister.
This proposed infrastructure aims to give Bhutanese commuters a more accessible, cost-effective route through Bhutan’s southern region.
Sonam Yuden & Kinley Wangchuk
Edited by Sonam Pem
