What was once a quick stop has turned into a long drive for vehicle owners in Thimphu, who now have to travel all the way to Ramtokto for emission tests. Acknowledging the inconvenience, Green Bhutan Services, the new emission testing agent contracted for three years by the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, says it is actively exploring options to relocate closer to the city to make the process more convenient.
Vehicle owners now have to travel all the way to Ramtokto, about thirteen kilometers from Thimphu town for emission testing. While the facility is up and running, many service users say the new location is far from the city centre, making the trip longer and inconvenient.
Sangay Wangchuk, a customer said, “I have been trying to find out about the location and it was confusing. I am not sure about this location but for us, it would have been convenient to have it near workshop premises.”
“I came from Chapcha this morning to get my vehicle’s fitness test done. Previously, the tests were conducted at Olakha, closer to town, and even checking insurance was very convenient. I had to ask around to find the new location, which is here. The road conditions are quite poor, and the distance is far, making it challenging for vehicle owners,” said another customer Phurba.
Ugyen Chophel, who is also a customer said, “People were waiting at the old location in Olakha for their emission tests. When we inquired, we were told the tests had moved to Ramtokto. Since I live nearby, I guided them, noting that the new location is just above Heli Bhutan.”
According to the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority or BCTA, vehicle fitness testing is essential to ensure that vehicles are safe, roadworthy, and do not pose risks to drivers or other road users.
Moreover, completion of the vehicle fitness test is also mandatory for renewing vehicle registration, commonly referred to as blue book renewal.
Until last year, the emission testing in Thimphu was carried out at Olakha. However, following the expiry of the contract between the SPD Emission Testing Agent and BCTA, the service was discontinued at the location.
JR Mangar, Manager of Green Bhutan Services in Thimphu said, “We were unable to get approval to conduct the tests at the same location used by the SPD Emission Testing Agent. Later, we tried leasing a land from RICBL at Olakha and conducted a survey to set up the facility there, but the Urban Planning Division of Thromde did not approve, stating that the area is designated as residential and urban.”
Karma Tshering, a staff of GBS National Emission Service in Thimphu said, “For the time being, the location is set here, but people say it’s quite far and difficult to find.”
The agent said most alternative land leases are short-term, lasting only six months to a year, which is not feasible. Green Bhutan Services is still searching for a permanent site that requires a minimum of 20 decimals of land.
Meanwhile, the agent continues to provide emission testing in Thimphu, Phuntsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Monggar, with mobile testing services soon to be available in other districts.
For now, vehicle owners in Thimphu will have to deal with the inconvenience until a more accessible testing location is identified.
Kinzang Lhadon
