๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐’๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฅ, ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ก๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ.
In a pivotal move, the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) has officially reopened the Sanglam exit-entry point at the Chinese Line of Deokota Toll, in response to India’s earnest request to reconsider the closure. This decision to reopen the New Pedestrian Terminal at Sanglam marks the end of a 1365-day closure initiated by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Undertaken in the interest of both nations, this closure was part of a broader measure to prevent local transmission and involved closing all border gates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective from March 23, 2020.
The Sanglam exit-entry point, situated at the Chinese line of Deokata Toll, Jaigaon, was sealed on the same day as part of the pandemic lockdown, disrupting cross-border activities and trade.
This long-anticipated reopening comes after a series of diplomatic engagements, starting with a plea from Prakash Chik Baraik, the Alipurduar TMC District president, on February 17, 2023. Prakash Chik Baraik, now a Rajya Sabha MP, urged the Royal Government of Bhutan to reconsider the closure, with media attention intensifying following the reopening of the India-Bhutan border on September 23, 2022.
On 27th of February 2023, responding to the goodwill gesture and recognizing the robust India-Bhutan relationship, the RGoB assured Prakash Chik Baraik, then AITMC Alipurduar District President, in writing that the Chinese Line Gate would be reopened within the year 2023.
The momentum gained further on March 12, 2023. In a press meet called by TMC Kalchini Block president Birendar Bara Oraon at Jaigaon II TMC party office, publicly announced Bhutanโs decision to reopen the Chinese Line Gate. Oraon emphasized that this move would contribute to the prosperity of people’s lives and livelihoods.
Today on December 18, immediately one day after Bhutan observed its 116th National Day; to accommodate the flow of approximately 3000 pedestrians (process workers) holding work permits issued by RGoB, a fully-fledged Second Pedestrian Terminal was inaugurated near International Border Pillar 69 on the Chinese Line.
Parallelly, Jaigaon Gram Panchayat II undertook a significant infrastructure project, constructing a concrete road connecting NS Road and Chinese Line Road at Deokata Toll with an estimated budget of INR 11 lakhs.
The ceremonial opening of the pedestrian terminal took place today at around 10:15 am, attended by dignitaries from both Bhutan and India. Notable figures included the Consulate General of India from Phuentsholing, Bhutan, Dungpa, Dungkhag Administration Phuentsholing, Thrompon, Phuentsholing City Corporation, Immigration Regional Director, Phuentsholing, Senior Superintendent of Royal Bhutan Police, DIV II, Phuentsholing, and officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, RGoB.
Representing the Indian counterpart were Harshit Ratna, Assistant Commandant, G-Coy SSB, Jaigaon, Ganga Prasad Sharma, Chairman, Alipurduar District AITMC, Jaigaon GP II Pradhan Anju Khatun, Upa Pradhan, Jaigaon GP II and AITMC Anchal Chairman Phurba Lama, and other political leaders and workers, along with the general public.
A notification dated December 14, 2023, issued by the Department of Immigration, MoHA, RGoB, emphasized that the new terminal would facilitate entry/exit for foreign workers with valid work permit cards and individuals with a copy of fresh work permit approval issued by the Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment.
According to the Regional Immigration Office at Phuentsholing, this measure aims to ease the heavy flow of people at the main pedestrian terminal in Phuentsholing, further enhancing entry/exit services to the public.
In the opening ceremony, Karma Jurmi, Dungpa, Dungkhag Administration Phuentsholing, symbolically handed over the keys to Harshit Ratna, Assistant Commandant, G-Coy SSB, Jaigaon, in the presence of officials and the general public.
This significant move by the RGoB reflects not only a generous gesture toward its “big brother” India but also a strategic step toward strengthening the enduring relationship between the two nations. Additionally, such measures contribute to fostering stronger people-to-people ties between the twin towns of Jaigaon and Phuentsholing.
Om Prakash Prasad, the first Indian worker to enter through the Sanglam Pedestrian Terminal, was greeted with traditional khaddar and a warm welcome from Bhutanese officials. An employee with Ugen Ferro Alloys Pvt. Ltd., Pasakha, Prasad praised the new pedestrian terminal for its ease of access, swift entry/exit processes, and the absence of the entry fee levied at the main pedestrian terminal.
On the Indian side, the SSB verified AADHAR and work permits, ensuring a smooth entry and exit process. The successful reopening of the Chinese Line Gate marks a positive development in the India-Bhutan relationship, opening new avenues for collaboration and economic growth on both sides of the border.
***
