The escort and driver switching modalities at Rinchending checkpoint in Phuentshogling has now been shifted to Sorchen. The move is a measure to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19. However, the move was welcomed poorly by drivers and business people alike.
Till now, drivers from Thimphu and other places had to come till Rinchending checkpoint to transship goods, switch drivers or get an escort. Since Rinchending falls in a high-risk area, the southern task force for COVID-19 decided to shift the set up to Sorchen which is 17 kilometres away from Phuentshogling town. The area beyond Sorchen falls under low risk. On day one since the move, business people and drivers alike share the inconveniences.
“The escort is for few specific places. Since I have to pick things up from different places, I couldn’t go down with escort. I hired a driver. The expenditure is obviously higher. Another reason is- If we go down with escort, we aren’t allowed to come out of the vehicle until we reach back here. Since Phuentshogling is a hot place, and it will be difficult to stay inside the vehicles with no food, until loading is done. So, I didn’t go,” said Kuenga Namgay, a businessman.
“When the transhipment was done at Rinchending, we paid Nu 1,500 to drivers of Phuentshogling. Since it is shifted here at Sorchen, we have to pay them Nu 2,500-Nu 3,000. It is a little inconvenient here as there are no restaurants or eateries around here. We have to bring our own packed meals here,” added Sangay Dorji, a driver.
“If we want to get small stuff from different places in the town, we aren’t provided escorts. For example, I am here to get plywood. So I am not getting the escort. If I get an escort, I will definitely drive down. Since I am not getting one, driver switching is the only option left,” said Krishna Gurung, also a driver.
The task force is also yet to come up with mechanisms regarding the escort to private godowns, warehouses and retail shops. As of now, vehicles are being escorted only to Mini dry port, Ahlay land customs station, truck parking, FCBL auction yard and Phuentshogling higher secondary school. Nearly 200 vehicles move towards Thimphu, Paro and other places from the checkpoint every day. Police, DeSuups and RSTA officials monitor the movement.
Sonam Penjor
