In a significant boost to India-Bhutan relations, a new Immigration Check Post (ICP) was inaugurated on November 7, 2024, at Darranga, Assam, along the India-Bhutan border. The ceremony was attended by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, and senior officials from both countries.

The new ICP facilitates the entry and exit of third-country nationals via a land route, representing a major step forward in regional connectivity and cooperation. Its inauguration follows the November 2023 visit of His Majesty the King of Bhutan to India, during which both nations committed to strengthening border infrastructure and officially designating the Darranga (Assam)–Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) route as a formal entry point.

Prime Minister Tobgay lauded the opening of the Darranga ICP as a gateway to increased tourism and economic growth for eastern Bhutan. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for supporting this initiative, saying, “The operationalisation of this Immigration Check Post at Darranga is a step forward in strengthening our connectivity and realising our shared vision for regional development. This new access point will help us promote tourism in eastern Bhutan and drive economic opportunities.”

Addressing the gathering, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya highlighted the longstanding friendship between India and Bhutan, recognising recent infrastructure efforts that bolster cross-border connectivity and mutual cooperation. Acharya described the new ICP as a “significant milestone that strengthens the people-to-people ties that our countries have cultivated over the years.”

With this ICP, travel options for third-country nationals have expanded; previously, entry into Bhutan was limited to the Paro International Airport and the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing land route. The Darranga route now opens fresh opportunities for tourism, trade, and interpersonal exchanges, especially benefiting the less-explored eastern region of Bhutan.

The Bhutanese government expects that the new entry point will promote balanced development across the country, easing access to the eastern regions and encouraging tourists and investors to venture beyond the popular areas of Thimphu and Paro. This aligns with Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable tourism that fosters economic growth while preserving its distinctive culture and environment.

Developed by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), the Darranga ICP prioritises efficiency and convenience. Spanning 14.5 acres, the facility includes customs processing areas, offices, accommodations, parking, and loading/unloading zones to streamline trade logistics. Equipped with modern amenities such as a weighbridge, warehouse facilities, and plant quarantine systems, the ICP is well-prepared to manage diverse cross-border activities while upholding high standards of security and efficiency.

The ICP’s strategic location benefits from strong connectivity on both sides of the border. In India, it connects to National Highway 27 near Rangia, ensuring smooth transport for goods and travellers. On the Bhutanese side, customs facilities at Samdrup Jongkhar provide efficient trade processing, with ongoing upgrades to the highway from Samdrup Jongkhar to Tashigang expected to further improve cross-border travel and trade.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Bhutan’s Leader of the Opposition Pema Chewang, elected representatives, and senior officials from both nations.

This collaboration between India and Bhutan underscores their shared commitment to regional development and connectivity. With the Darranga ICP now operational, both nations look forward to new trade and partnership opportunities that will bring mutual benefits.

The opening of the Darranga ICP is anticipated to stimulate economic activity in Assam and eastern Bhutan. The expanded trade opportunities are expected to boost sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and retail, especially in Bhutan’s eastern region, which has often been bypassed by travellers. Increased visits from tourists and traders are set to support local businesses and open new avenues for economic growth.

For Assam, the new ICP is expected to boost cross-border trade, tourism, and local businesses, allowing them to benefit from the increased flow of people and goods. The ICP also aligns with India’s “Act East” policy, aimed at strengthening connections with its eastern neighbours through enhanced infrastructure and connectivity.

With the Darranga ICP now operational, officials from both nations are optimistic about the opportunities it offers. Equipped with modern facilities and positioned strategically, this border crossing is set to become a significant entry point for travellers and traders, potentially transforming the economic landscape of the region.

The Inauguration of the Darranga ICP symbolises a new chapter in India-Bhutan relations, grounded in trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to prosperity.