Bhutan opens new entry gate to Phuentsholing for Indian labourers

RAJESH SHARMA, EOI, JAIGAON, DECEMBER 18, 2023 : The Royal Government of Bhutan on Monday reopened a gate in the Chinese Line area of Jaigaon for Indian labourers going to Bhutan to work on projects. The gate had been lying closed for a long time. 

Local administrative officer of Bhutan government Drungpa Karma Jurmi of Chhukha Dzongkhag said the main reason for opening the gate at the Chinese Line was to ease the pressure on the main entry gate from Jaigaon to Phuentsholing and eliminate the queue there. 

This would help Indian visitors to go to Phuentsholing more easily. The new gate would, however, facilitate the entry of Indian labourers going to work in Bhutan who had permits issued by the Government of Bhutan. 

Other Indian visitors would not be allowed through the gate. In view of the need for Indian labourers in Bhutan, the gate had been reopened. The gate was reopened amid the chanting of mantras by Buddhist Lamas. 

The Sashastra Seema Bal has been given the task of monitoring the gate from the Indian side. 

A bunch of keys of the new Bhutan gate was handed over to Assistant Commandant of SSB Harshit Rana by the office of the Royal Government of Bhutan during the ceremony. 

Indian Consul General in Phuentsholing Prashant Dasgupta was present on the occasion.