The long-standing issue of Bhutanese vehicles being charged double toll fees along Indian highway is expected to be resolved within the next few months. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said the government has been working to ensure that Bhutanese vehicles can use FASTag system. The minister shared this during the National Assembly’s question hour session yesterday.
Radhi-Sakteng MP Tashi Tenzin said that thousands of Bhutanese vehicles travel along Assam and West Bengal highway in India.
He said heavy vehicles pay more than Nu 4,000 as toll fee while travelling from Samdrup Jongkhar to Phuentshogling along Indian highway.
He added that the drivers and vehicle owners end up paying double toll fee and another 50 per cent extra charge imposed if paid in ngultrum.
“Drivers are struggling to repay loans due to increased or doubled toll fees. Moreover, this issue has been there for months and if it continues, it may also impact business, trade, and Indian currency reserves.”
The minister said that the FASTag system, a toll fee collection system, is only accessible to vehicles registered in India.
Moreover, he said that other payment methods, such as online transactions, require Indian bank accounts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has been leading several stakeholder meetings to study feasibility of Bhutan’s system integration with the Indian system to avail the FASTag service and resolve challenges in payment modality.
The Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister said “Relevant authorities have agreed on the enforcement. Regarding the implementation, we have to get approval from both the Government of Bhutan and the Government of India. There is a need to do a trial run.”
However, the minister said that the process is taking time as it requires consultation with multiple agencies and authorities in India.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Tshering Zam
