Residents of Samdrup Jongkhar are urging authorities to open the newly improved pedestrian terminal at the border gate to ease traffic congestion. The structure was completed two months ago, but remains closed.
Currently, vehicles and pedestrians share the single-lane road at the Samdrup Jongkhar border gate, posing safety risks and causing frequent congestion.
Yonten Dorji, Martshala Gup said, “On the Indian side, vehicles are parked everywhere and it is very risky. If the pedestrian terminal opens, it will be very convenient for us. People can easily cross the border, do their shopping, and return.”
Seldon, a resident said, “The pedestrian terminal at Chengaline has been improved. If it opens soon, it will benefit everyone. Otherwise, we will continue to face traffic congestion at the border gate.”
The new pedestrian terminal or Chengaline is 500 metres from the border gate.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the structure improvement works are almost complete and discussions are underway to operationalise the facility soon.
The Home Affairs Minister said, “To open the gate, we are currently consulting with district administration and local leaders. It will be opened soon.”
Meanwhile, there are plans to construct a new Integrated Check Post in Samdrup Jongkhar. The Government of India has allocated Nu 300 M. The Detailed Project Report has been submitted for review, and necessary preparations are in progress to move the project forward.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
