For the first time in the last two years since the COVID-19 outbreak, The border gates of India and Bhutan located at Samdrup Jhongkhar and Gelephu along the Assam border will be open for tourists on September 23.
Tashi Penjore, the Himalayan Kingdom’s director (law and order) of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, was the leader of the Bhutanese delegation to meet along with Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) officials on Wednesday. They said the gate would be opened again following the two-and-a-half-year gap.
As the COVID-19 situation has improved as COVID-19 scenario has improved, the Bhutan government has declared that its borders will be reopened to commerce, trade, and transit officials on September 23 if the condition of the pandemic doesn’t increase, as stated by Penjore.
“Over the last two-and-a-half years, the officials on both sides have been changed, and we were unable to make friends and individual-to-person connections that are vital for those living within the border zones of both countries. We hope to see future visits like this,” he said.
He advised Indian tourists to visit different destinations in Bhutan following their entry through the gates of Gelephu gates and Samdrup Jongkhar gates.
“Earlier, we only issued entry permits through Phuentsholing and Paro, but now we have added three additional entry gates for tourists,” He added.
He also stated that the Substantial Development Fund (SDF) would be billed to improve infrastructure and services, as well as for the conservation of the environment.
The government of Bhutan has designed eco-tourism, bird watching, and other packages for visitors. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed to ensure smooth travel of tourists.
Tourists who want to stay the night and go beyond the points that are designated will be charged Rs 1200, According to him. The official also advised visitors to bring voter ID cards along with other documents required when they visit the Himalayan country.
The gathering was attended by superintendents and deputy commissioners of police officers from Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri districts, along with BTC officials.
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