Boulder exporters in Samtse are urging the government to expedite the formalisation and reopening of the Duarpani trade route. Despite infrastructure readiness on the Bhutanese side for nearly two years, the trade route still remains closed. Exporters say the prolonged closure has significantly impacted exports, leading to increased operational costs and reduced profitability.
The exporters’ group in Samtse constructed a single-story customs station nearly two years ago, in anticipation of the trade route’s opening. However, the route remains closed as it has yet to receive official approval from the Indian government. As a result, exporters are forced to use the Samtse trade gate, which incurs additional costs for machinery and transportation.
If the Duarpani Trade Route is reopened, exporters would avoid the longer, more expensive detour, and bypass challenges like the swelling Sukriti river during the monsoon season. Additionally, the reopening would eliminate the 80 ngultrum per truck fee for using a private road, as well as the restriction on truck movement after 10 PM, which further disrupts export operations.
“Reopening this trade route would make exporting our goods much cheaper and more convenient. We wouldn’t have to take the longer route via the Sukriti River, which swells during the monsoon and creates significant challenges for transportation. Moreover, it would reduce costs and ease congestion at the existing Samtse trade gate,” said Dhan Bdr Chettri, exporter.
During the recent Meet the Press session, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade acknowledged the importance of the trade route in facilitating exports, particularly for boulder exporters. However, he emphasised that the route previously operated informally and was closed along with all informal trade routes in coordination with the Indian government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Indian authorities are well aware of the situation and have not opposed the proposal. However, the primary challenge at the moment lies in the fact that the trade route spans only about two kilometres from our side to Chamurchi in India, passing through forest land on the Indian side. Additionally, the lack of necessary infrastructure remains a key issue,” said DN Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
The Royal Government of Bhutan has been actively engaging with India through various forums to facilitate the reopening of the trade route. A formal request was submitted to the Government of India on 28th November 2023, and the issue has since been raised at key meetings.
During the Joint Group Customs Meeting held last year, the Indian side pointed out that the route remains non-notified due to infrastructural challenges, such as poor road conditions, a monsoon river, and the absence of a customs station on the Bhutanese side. The matter was subsequently referred to the West Bengal State Government for further evaluation.
Similarly, at the Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) in September last year, Indian officials clarified that the trade route had never been officially notified. They indicated that discussions with the State Government were ongoing to assess the feasibility and develop the necessary infrastructure.
However, Lyonpo assured that the ministry has been in active discussion with the Government of India, which has confirmed that the issue is being addressed and efforts are underway to find a solution.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
