Bhutan relaxes cross-border travel restrictions in Phuentsholing

Bhutan Gate at Phuentsholing is returning to its usual busy look Bhutan relaxes cross-border travel restrictions in Phuentsholing (File Photo)

RAJESH SHARMA, EOI, JAIGAON, FEBRUARY 26, 2023 : There is finally good news from Bhutan for the residents of Jaigaon, the border town abutting the Bhutanese town of Phuentsholing, Information has been issued that the entry gate to Bhutan at Phuentsholing will remain open round-the-clock from Sunday. 

Residents of both Jaigaon and Phuentsholing are feeling happy about the decision of the Bhutanese authorities as cross-border movement is frequent between Jaigaon and Bhutan and both Indian nationals and Bhutanese citizens cross over to meet their sundry needs. 

In yet another bonanza, the entry fee of Rs 1,000 that been introduced for visiting the Kharbandi monastery in Phuentsholing when Bhutan announced its new tourism policy has been withdrawn for Indian citizens.

Indian citizens willing to stay overnight in Phuentsholing on February17 and 18 this year during the Mahashivaratri had also been waived the required Sustainable Development Fee of Rs 1,200 per person per night. 

There is a Shiva temple in the vicinity of Phuentsholing town. It is believed that the Bhutan government has introduced the relaxations in entry norms to Phuentsholing and the other measures as businessmen in the border town of Bhutan, particularly hoteliers, have been suffering loss since the introduction of the new tourism policy by the Bhutan Government. 

There has since been a significant drop in the number of Indian visitors and tourists going to Phuentsholing and beyond to Thimphu and Paro. 

Residents and businessmen in Jaigaon, particularly tour operators, now want the Bhutan government also to withdraw the entry and exit fees of Rs 10 for visiting Phuentsholing and also the SDF of Rs 1,200 per night for an Indian tourist visiting Bhutan.