The Jiti and Bhimtar border check posts in Samtse are finally open to light vehicles. The two check posts remained closed since international borders were sealed when the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. This latest development has relieved residents of Tashichhoeling Dungkhag and nearby gewogs, who otherwise had to take a long detour via Samtse town to go to nearby Indian towns. A routine, which residents said was time-consuming and economically burdensome.
When international borders reopened following the pandemic, only heavy vehicles were allowed to enter and exit via the Jiti check post in Sang-Ngag-Chhoeling Gewog and Bhimtar check post in Norbugang Gewog.
During a meeting with local leaders in Samtse earlier this week, the prime minister announced that the check posts can be opened for light vehicles. Residents say the closure of these two check posts has caused them inconveniences when visiting Indian towns.
“For instance, if we had to go Phuentshogling, we had to travel till Samtse. It used to take us three to four hours to reach Phuentshogling. Likewise, while travelling via this border, earlier we were not allowed to take our cars. We had to travel in Indian vehicles,” said Lungten Choejey, a resident of Tashichhoeling Dungkhag.
“Earlier, for us to visit Indian towns, we had to travel to Samtse, and from there only we could enter India. Now that we have access from the Jiti border. Things will be much easier, faster, and more convenient for us,” said Kusung Thukten, another resident.
“This initiative will help us immensely during medical emergencies when we must go to Siliguri and Phuentshogling. It will now only take us about one to two hours to reach these places,” said Dal Bdr Mongar, also a resident.
While the news came as a delight to Tashichhoeling residents, local businesses have mixed reactions. They are concerned about losing business to the Indian market.
“People will buy almost everything from the nearby Indian towns as they will get it for cheap. Since we pay tax and bring the goods here, our prices will be slightly higher compared to the shops in India. They do not have to pay tax and some of them will also try to sell expired products at even cheaper rates. But our people won’t know this and buy everything,” said DB Chettri, a businessman.
Business owners suggest the introduction of a stringent taxation system at the checkposts for goods brought in from neighbouring Indian towns.
However, officials say light vehicle drivers do not use the check posts much for now due to poor road conditions on the other side.
People can also travel to Phuentshogling, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar from all border check posts in Samtse. However, public transport buses will not be allowed to travel via Indian routes.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sherub Dorji
