After more than two and a half years since the closure of border gates due to the COVID pandemic, the international border gates in the south will finally reopen this week. With just five days left for the historic moment, the reopening of the Indo-Bhutan gates has generated a mixed response, especially from the southern foothill residents.
In Phuentshogling, like most of the residents and businesses in the south, the reopening of the border gates has drawn mixed reactions. While some are excited, some are equally worried for their businesses for fear of losing local customers to the other side.
“I feel it is good that the border gates here will open soon. But at the same time, we are equally worried about losing customers,” said Namgay Tshering, a businessman in Phuentsholing Thromde. “However, with the government planning to collect taxes from those crossing the borders, I feel not many people would cross the border as freely as before.”
“I am very excited that the border gates will finally reopen. Everything across the border is very cheap and affordable for us. Here, things have become very expensive lately,” said Lobzang Dorji.
Another businessman Pema Dorji said he is “hopeful that Phuentsholing will get visitors from the rest of the 20 districts as before. As of now, we have not received visitors from India and other parts of the country. We are surviving with a few customers from here only.”
For the residents, things will be a little different. Unlike before, all residents will now have to pass through the newly completed Pedestrian Terminal just near the Phuentsholing-Jaigaon gate. The new facility is no less than an airport terminal. It is equipped with international standard modern amenities such as an air conditioning system, television, CCTV, health counter and a public announcement system. The facility has been constructed at a cost of about Nu 183 M.
Likewise, the Samtse Dzongkhag Administration also said that they are all set for the border gate reopening on 23rd September. The District heads are currently in the process of sensitizing the Indian counterparts on the border reopening.
Over in Gelephu, the 200-bedded quarantine facility has been converted into a Work Force Management Center. The centre will process work permits and other necessary services such as medical screening and opening savings accounts among others for foreign workers. It is expected to facilitate the entry of foreign workers in an efficient, organized and systematic manner through the point of entry to their worksites.
Meanwhile, the news of the border gate opening has delighted the people including some businesses in the area.
“Once the border gate opens, people travelling between Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, and Phuntshogling will use the Indian route that is shorter, and they will pass through here. So that will help us, hoteliers, with our business,” said Dawa Norbu, who runs a hotel in Gelephu town.
“It will benefit the business community because the opening of the entry routes will bring in tourists. We will also have people from across the border visiting for a day or two,” said Hemraj Monger.
And, the three formal entry points in Samdrup Jongkhar are all ready according to officials. The main checkpoint in Samdrup Jongkhar town will facilitate the entry and exit of Bhutanese as well as foreigners. It will also facilitate day-workers and permit-holder workers.
The checkpoint at Phuntsho Rabteling will process work permits and facilitate their entry and exit. And the third checkpoint at Jomotshangkha will also process work permits, and facilitate their entry and exit.
Meanwhile, the residents say they are excited about the border gate reopening.
“If gates are opened it will be beneficial. With the gates closed it, the place has become almost quiet,” said Sherab Pelzon.
“It is good news for the public because we can buy things from across the border which is much cheaper there,” said Karma Tenzin
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also met with the people and officials in the district. The Prime Minister is currently visiting the southern borders to create awareness to ensure a smooth advancement.
Pasang Dorji/Karma Wangdi/Kinley Wangchuk
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen